1
20
4
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fc678f2538d734af19fca1ac6dc57a81.jpg
37848c549570f52d2f627235c0b1ae69
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7a3f61f9089a86ab83c6fdddfef06652.pdf
8e6806cbdab40dd20457d017512098e2
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart October 15 - November 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 11
Largent Responds:
The NAMES Project will present a portion
oftheAIDS Memorial Quilton October
13-15 at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo
Square Pavilion. For schedule, see p. 9.
National Coming
Out Day in Tulsa
Several Tulsa orgamzations held National
Coming Out Day (NCOD) events.
Family of Faith Metropolitan Community
Church had 35 people attend its
Wednesday evemng service which commemoratedNCOD.
PastorNancy Horvath
noted that the service used a special liturgy
with eight candles to represent the
rainbow,
At the University ofTulsa, the Bisexual,
See NCOD, page ] 1
OUT AT THE FAIR
Nation’s Largest Coming
Out Event Held in Dallas
by Gip Plaster
The nation’s largest celebration of National
Coming Out Day (NCOD), featuring
Candace Gingrich and Chastity Bono,
was held at the State Fair of Texas in
Dallas onOctober 8. The celebration drew
larger than expected crowds, organizers
said. "This is exactly what we hoped for in
our wildest dreams," said Susan Gore, cochair
of NCOD in Dallas. Candace
Gingrich, the sister of Speaker of the U.S.
House of Representatives Newt Gingrich
(R-Ga.) and Chastity Bono, daughter of
actress and singer Cher and U.S. Rep.
See Dallas, page 10
Marriage Update
HONOLULU-A special commission set
up to evaluate the impact of excluding
gays and lesbians from legally marrying
in Hawaii has been considering the economicimpactofthe
issuerecently. Among
some 100 benefits and rights opposite-sex
couples currently enjoy under the state’s
marriage laws that same-sex couples are
see Marriage, page 11
US Supreme Court
Begins Amend. 2
A ppeal Hearings
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme
Courtbegan its new session in early October
with the appeal by the state of Colorado
to reinstate the anti-gay Amendment
2, which was narrowly approved by voters
only to be later declared unconstitusee
Court, page 10
Oklahoma Edu,cational Association (OEA)
Attacks Lesbian/Gay History Proposal
The Oklahoma Eduacation Association (OF_A) has sought to distance itself from a
national resolution that proposed to recognize the historical contributions of Lesbians
and Gay men. In response to attacks on the National Educational Association (NEA)
resolution by Beverly LaHaye of Concerned Women of America, the OEA released
statement declaring that its delegates to the conference this last summer had voted
overwhelmingly against the resolution. The resolution had been proposed as one means
of combatting the higher rate of teenage suicide among Lesbian and Gay youth.
OEA sent out a negative flyer toits membership on the NEA resolution. The OEA
claimed to be concerned about the issue of youth suicide but stated that this resolution
was not the appropriate means for addressing the issue. Officially, the OEA would
responded to all questions or requests for clarification with "no comment". An OEA
staffperson indicated that they had not yet spent any time developing a "more appropriate"
response nor could she provide a time line for such an effort. Tulsa Classroom
Teachers Association (TCTA) also sent a flyer to its membership disassociating itself
from the resolution.
Public Schools Chief Agrees to Meeting
Dr. John Thompson, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools will speak to Tulsa’s
Lesbian/Gay communities and friends on Monday, Oct. 30 from 7-8pro at Family of
Faith Metropolitan Commtmity Church, 5451 e South Mingo. While Dr. Thompson will
speak primarily on the upcoming school bond dection, he expressed a willingness to
hear community concerns. All community, members are welcome but those with ties to
the educational system are especially encouraged to attend. For more information, call
Tulsa Family News at 583-1248 or Family of Faith at 622-1441.
Green Country Pride and TOHR Call
Community Wide Leadership Meeting
Tulsa Oklahomans forHuman Rights (TOHR) and Green Country Pride, a grassroots,
action-oriented community organization are joining tO sponsor an open meeting to
discuss community-wide goals on Tues. Nov 7 in the Chouteau Room of the Alan
Chapman Activity Center at the University of Tulsa. see Meeting, page 10
TOHR -Nominates,-~Offi.cers for 1996
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), Tulsa’s oldest Lesbian/Gay community
organization, nominated officers at its Oct. 3 meeting. The following were selected
by the nominating committtee: Debi Starnes - president, Miriam Childers -lst vice
president, Rob Hill - 2rid vice president, Sue Minshall - secretary and Pam Pretz -
treasurer. No nominations were made from the floor. Under TOHR@laws, nominations
are closed and a vote will be taken at the Nov. 7th meeting.
AIDS Walk ’95 Has Highest Turnout Ever
Organizers of Walk This ~Vay, AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95 estimated that 150 to 200 people
participated in this year’s event on Sat. Sept. 30. Steve Eberle, one of the Walk
organizers, said the event raised about $6000 to benefit VNA - Visiting Nurse Association,
TOHR Testing Clinic, MTSAS - Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services,
Inc. Indian Health Care, IAM, Rainbow Village, HIV Resource Consortium, Hospice of
Green Country, SJR, RAIN - ReNonalAIDS Interfaith Networt¢, Ahalaya and MAC.
Organizers noted that the first Walk had only about 50 participants and that this year’s
walkers were more broadly representative of the city - not just the "hard-core" HIV/
AIDS workers & volunteers. Eberle added that the event organizers hope to ~ncrease the
funds raised by seeking corporate donations. The event was recognized both by Tulsa
Mayor Susan Savage whose aide Hilary Kitz attended and by Oklahoma Governor Frank
Keating who issued a proclamation recognizing the Walk.
Red Ribbon Treefest Entries Sought
The Red Ribbon Treefest is decorating a tree, or purchasing
an annual event where dec¯-
rated holiday trees are auctioned
to raise funds for local HIV/ ~7
AIDS organizations. This year’s ~1~
proceeds will-benefit the HIV .
Resource Consortium’s prescription
drug program and to
assist Interfaith AIDS Ministries
800AIDS information telephone
line.
This year’s Treefest will be
held at the Spotlight Theatre at ]~i~ilOI!
1318 Riverside Drive on Sun- Treefest
day, Dec. 3, with a reception at
4pm and the auction at 5:30.
The Red Ribbon Treefest
Committee invites individuals and organizations
to participate by volunteering,
a tree. Direct donations are also
welcome with checks made to
Interfaith AIDS Ministries. To
decorate a tree or to volunteer,
-please contact the Committee
by Nov. 1statPOB 35844, Tulsa
74153. Tree set-up will be from
9-3pmon Sunday, Dec. 3. The
SpotlightTheatre has a number
of steps at the front entrance.
Handicapped access can be arranged
by calling 663-5372.
Specifications: trees must be
amaximum of six feet high and
artificial. No lights are permitted.
All trees should have a title
reflecting the theme of the tree - no red
ribbon theme, please.
No to General Job
Protections, But
No Discrimination
In His Office Hiring
During his campaign a year ago, member
of Congress for the 1st District, Steve
I_argent, promised to meet with Tulsa’s
Lesbian/Gay communities. In March, he
came to the Metropolitan Church of
Greater Tulsa and listened to community
concerns. At that meeting, he pledged to
consider a proposed bill, the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which
would prohibit work place bias based on
sexual orientation. Specifically, I_argent
promised to respond in writing to Tulsa
Family News editor/publisher Tom Neal.
(His letter is reproduced on page 3.)
see Largent, page 10
Say No to Hate Walk
The Say No to Hate Coalition is sponsoring
acommemorative ~valk at 11:30am
on Friday, Oct. 20 from 1st Street and
Cincinnati across the Martin Luther King
Bridge along Archer and ends at the Universtty
Center at Tulsa, 700 No. Greensee
No Hate, page 10
Nov. Performance
Supports Interfaith
AIDS Ministries
The Long Way ’Round to Ninevah, the
Jonah story in song & dance, will be
presented at All Souls Unitarian Church,
2952 S. Peoriaon Sat. Nov. 11 at 2pro and
at 7pro. This two act play appeals to all
ages and will help supportInterfaithAIDS
Ministries. Info: 438-2437 or 663-5372.
DIRECTORY P. 2
NEWS BRIEFS P.-4
HEALTH BRIEFS P. 6
CALENDAR P. 9
FINANCES P. 11
EUREKA NEWS P. 12-1:3
PERSONALS P. 15
918-583-1248
POB 4140
Tulsa, Oklahoma
74159-0140
TulsaNews@ aoi.com
Publisher/Editor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the.:~atire.contents of
Tom Neal this publication are protected byUS copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family
Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without
James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or
Writers/contributors ph,.,oto does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation.
Kharma Amos ~orrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise
Laurie Cooper noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property ofTulsa Family
Shelly Roberts News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each
Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution
JD Jamett points. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery!
Comprehension-impaired reader?
Thefollowin~ letter is reprinted as i’eceived: "
I read your newspaperand accept your challenge
to disagree.
You claim to be traditional in your goals.
Basing your goals on what tradition? The tradition
of family cannot be carried out with the act of
homosexuality, their (sic) cannot be a completion
to the act of sexuality for the gift of life has been
dosed.
It is contrary to natural law, you dose the future
of the human race.
For most homosexuals, they do not choose their
condition, itis a trial, as weall have our trials in life,
the cross we are given to carry; as christians (sic)
refer to it.
I may have a strong tendency to a quick temper,
I could even say I inherited it from my grandparents,
but that doesn’t make it right for me not to
control my temper.
All peoplemust have respect and compassion for
one another but that is not to confuse right from
wrong.
We are all called to the virtues of self-mastery
that teach us inner freedom.
By prayer and sacramental grace we can reach
this goal. Your friend in Christ, - Kathie Jackson
Editor’s response: Thanks for writing. We do
welcomedialogueandthe exchangeofviews. However.
you appear to be confused about our challenge.
When we mentioned "traditional goals,’" we
were referring to our specific goalsfor this newspaper-
that is the "traditionar’ role ofnewspapers
tn minority communities, and newspapers in the
broader community. While we could have been
slightly more clear in stating this, we think you
failed to read the essay with enough care.
The challenge we offered was to our community:
Lesbians. Gay men. Bisexuals &’-~’ransgendered
folk. and ourfamilies andfriends, to discuss and
debate where we are and where we need to go.
Frankly, you a~rrelevant to that debate andyour
arguments are ancient, flawed and not worthy of
the newsprint. However, since you appear to have
acted in goodfaith, and to warn others ofyour ilk,
we are printing your letter. We are interested in
debate by members of our commumty about our
issues. We are not interested in providing space to
those who want to debate our very existance.
- Tom Neal
Thefollowing isfrom our assistant editor who’s
more inclined to try to educate:
Speaking for those of us involved with the paper,
and for most people in the Gay and Lesbian community,
webase our goals on. the traditions of love
for our family members, friends and lifemates. Our
traditions are not so different than yours. We all
seek love, a happy home, and someone to share it
with. Many have high morals standards ofhonesty,
integrity, and dignity. Many ofus are religious. We
have and are parts of families - mother, fathers,
-sisters,brothers, nieces,nephews. Gay people can,
and do have children. Gay folk have them because
they want them, not by accident, like so many
unplanned children. In the Gay families I have
seen, they are raised in a loving, supportive enviroument.
As for the statement that Homosexuality is contrary
to nature, any biologist can tell you that
see next column
Are we our own worst enemies?
"GWNI, 28, 5’8", 150 lbs., straight acting/appearing,
lookingforsameforfun andpossible relationship.
Enjoy evenings out dancing as well as quiet
times at home. NOfats, fems, drugs. If interested,
please contact~"
This could be the typical personal ad placed in
many Tulsa Gay and Lesbian publications. This
could be the typical personal ad placed in placed in
Gay papers all over the U.S. One would think after
years of reading such ads, one would overlook or
dismiss them as, at the most, unimaginative.
cannot. Whenever I see these ads, I become angry
at the stereotyped attitudes shown.
"Straight acting and appearing, what is this supposed
to mean? If you want a relationship with a
man who is masculine and presents a masculine
appearance, say so. To call yourself "straightacting"
only perpetuates typical gay stereotypes of
the limp-wristed effeminate male. I would much
rather be involved with someone who is honest,
self-confident, secure, and proud ofwhomthey are,
than someone who feels a need to be "’straightacting".
"No fats, ferns, or drugs." Need I say more? Has
amoreover-used, cliched expressionbeen written?
Use height/weight proportionate, masculine, or
drug-free, but bury this tired, hackneyed expression
once and for all.
I recently read a personal ad that dosed with the
line, "No HIV+, trash, or weirdos." Perhaps I am
overly sensitive, but being an HIV+ gay male, I
take offense at being lumped together with trash
and weirdos. I respect anyone’s desire for an HIV+
or HIV- partner, and it is quite possible that the
author did not intend to convey this message.
Gay men and Lesbians can often be their own
worst enemy. To me, the use of stereotypes and
insensitive remarks, whether intentional or not, is
unacceptable. If we, as Gays and Lesbians, cannot
treat each other with compassion and be free of
stereotypical attitude, how can we possibly expect
heterosexuals and society as a whole to do the
same? - Stephen R. Edlich
homosexuality occurs in nature quite often, and in
many specxes. As for closing the future of the
human race, I think it’s a bit premature (or too late,
depending on how you look at it) to have a real fear
of this happening. Homosexuals make up about ten
percent of the population That leaves roughly
mnety percent of the population quite .capable of
repopulating the earth. We repopulate too, but
we’re more careful about it.
I am currently taking an environmental biology
course at a local university. According to the textbook,
’q’oday there are well over 5 billion humans,
and it is likely that our numbers will increase to
more than 8 billion in your lifetime. We are in
danger of overwhelming the earth with too many
people. The earth has limited resources and the
human population is using up,. encroaching upon,
fouling, and wasting them." ("Environment",
Raven, Berg, & Johnson) If the human race is to
disappear, it will be due to too many people, not the
fact that there are homosexuals. -James Christjohn
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Bad Boyz Club, 1229 S. Memorial
*Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria
Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th
*Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow!Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
*Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral
Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica
*Interurban, 717 S. Houston
835-5083
744-0896
585-5622
749-1563
834-4234
585-3405
660-0856
664-8299
584-1308
582-4340
742-0712
585-3134
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272
Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100
Creative Collection, 1521 E 15 592-1521
Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Devena’s Gallery forPhotography, 13 E. Brady 587-2611
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503
Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174
Lemme M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, PsyChotherapy, 2865 E. Skdly 745-1111
*Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza. 15th & Peoria 584-4606
International Tours 341-6866
Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E 15 599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466
Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992
Major Affairs 587-8108
Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884
*MediaPlay, 9121 E. 71st 250-5158
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951
Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626
Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410
*Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301
Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322
*Tomfoolery Gifts & Cards, at Family of Faith MCC 583-1248
Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities
*Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594
B/L!G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780
*Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780
*Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa
*Community of Hope (United Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800
Dignity/Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics &Episcopalians) 298-4648
*Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 74%6827
Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905
Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437
*MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
*HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194
NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111
P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104
R.A.I.N.; Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174
Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 ~ 599-8423
Shanti Hotline 749-7898
Tulsa Oklahomans forHuman Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152
TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297
Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222
*Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor
*University Center at -Tulsa
Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
*Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St.
King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W
*MCC of the Living Spnng
McClung Realtors
Purple Iris Inn, Route 6, Box 339
Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East
*The Woods, 50 Wall St.
*The Diner, 2124 NW 39th
*Jungle Red, The Habana Inn
*Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th
*Triangle Association, 2136 NW 390;
501-253-7457
501-253-6807
501-253-5445
800-231-1442
501-253-9337
501-253-9682
501-253-8748
501-253-2204
501-253-6001
501-2534÷ 281
.... "~28-5 I33
~,24-5733
405-525-243"7
405-843-~378
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159
Thank you for contacting me with your views. I appreciate hearing from you.
’H.~.. 1863,tba Employment Non-Discrimination Act, prohibits employers from
discriminating against individuals based on that individual’s "sexual orientation." The Act
exempts the Armed Forces, religious organizations and businesses with under 15 employee~.
I strongly support each individual’s Constitutional civil rights including equal
opportunity. However, I do not believe that a person’s lifestyle or behavior makea them
eligible for bebav~io~r-sp~c~o_p.ro,.t~ons.
lawstha~ apply to moo, age, g~nder ~r~roilgious affdiafion’to individuals who bebav~ like, 6r
a~ perceived to be lesbian, homosexual or bisexual. I am satisfied with the level of
protection that eor~m anti-discfiminationJegislation provides all.individuals, including those
who are a pan of the homosexual commuaity.
Tom, any other definition of discrimination is problamatic. Any empioyer or
prope~’ty owner should be able to refuse to hire, rent or enter into a contructual agreement
with any person whose behavior is morally offensive to him.
I do not believe and it has not been demonstrated that a person’s "sexual prefuroace"
is biologically inherent. Evidence shows that "sexual preference" is nothing morn than a
choice of will. Extending civil rights protection based on behavior is inapproprla~.
Further, in our meeting earlier this year, I stated that _I would not fire someone based
on his or her sexual orientation. However, I believe people should have that right. I would
not fife or refuse to hire someone based on that issue alone; but, i~their behavior became
problematic such that it was disruptive to conducting business, I would reserve the right to
do so.
I support the Constitutional right of free association. Employment and association arn
engaged on a voinnta~ basis. The federal government has little business rngulating
voluntary association and needs to reduce its burdensome rngulations that attempt to affect
individual association.
Once again, I am satisfied that current civil tights legislation provides a sufficient
level of Constitutional protection to serve each and ever~ member of our society regardless
of their sex, age, race, or religmn.
Thank you again for contacting me with your views. I would appreciate your prayers
and further suggestions regarding this or other issues on your mind.
SML:sbh
Member of Congross
DON
OVANN, I.
NOVEMBER 11, 16, & 18, 1995
SINGLE TICKET PRICES range from $13.50 to $51.
Student tickets and group rates .now available.
English translations projected above the stage at all performances
TULSAOPERA
CALL (918) 587-4811 or
TOLL FREE (800):241-.6076
BOX OFFI cE kOCATED AT
1610 S. BOULDER, TULSa,, OK 74119
E d i t .0 r iAan
What’s R=ght
Wrong With Largent
Many of you will not be .surprised that
o.urcongressman declines to support ~equal
nghts for his Lesbian & Gay consti tuents.
To bring Lesbian and Gay citizens up to
the level of protections that Heterosexual
citizens take for granted is obviously at
odds with the rhetoric of his Republican
party, and especially with that of his core
constituency, the Radical Right- most of
whom clothe their reactionary positions
in the trappings of religion. However, at
risk of seeming Pollyauna-ish, it’s worth
noting that just having Largent engage in
dialogue with us is more than we’ve had in
this Congressional district ever. Radical
Right Senator Jim Inhofe~’ whose anti-
Gay bigotry is too well documented,
doesn’t even pretend to honor his constitutional
obligations to represent all Oklahomans.
Because Largent at least is listening....
there remains some hope that he can be
persuaded to recognize the illogic of supporting
civil rights protections for one of
themost profound behavioral choices, i.e.
the choic6 of religious beliefs and~ their
expression but then claiming it is "inappropriate"
to provide such protections for
another behavioral choice: the open expression
of sexual .identity.
Largent and his staff seem noi ~¢en to
realize that the position they’ve taken, that
see Editorial, page 9
Ait:T.. o¯mfoole. ry,~_.~.c°ming. out is what we:re all about. We’re Tutsa’s original: ga)::ii~i!i~-i:::
.....:i..-&,lesbian giftshop, nd we ve got the best selection of T,shirts,: rainbow gear. :
: :/:and novelty itemsin town. So what are you waiting for? Come on.out:today!
TOMFOOLERY!
For discreet home delivery of Tulsa
iFamily News, please send $15 for a 12
.months, $8 for 6 months.
.y
lews Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News
Gay Supreme Court
Justice in South Africa "i eventoaddresstheissueofequal ¯ tional agency. "Thedifficullylies Saint-Nazaire, a town in the union says denying it the right to rights for homosexuals, in the fact that it’s the first time " southern tip of Brittany at the extend the benefits is a private
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
- The most recent example
of the s.urge of civil rights
progress m South Africa is the
recent appointment of an openly
gay man to South Africa’s Supreme
Court - the first such
openly gay high court justice in
the world. Edwin Cameron, a
law professor at the University
of Witwatersrand and a longtime
gay rights advocate within
the country’s anti-apartheid
ino~,dnidtit, has been iihined to a
seatonthe SouthAfricaSupreme
Court. He had been under consideration
earlier this year for a
seat on the country’s Constitutional
Court. Prior to his appointment
to the Supreme Court,
Cameron also headed the muchpraised
Cameron Commission,
anational panel thatinvestigated
the country’s clandestine arms
deals with several other governments
under international arms
embargoes, including Iraq. During
the transition from apartheid
to full reconstruction in South
Africa, the country has adopted
an interim Constitution that indudes
provisions prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation- thefirst country
in the world to do so.
High Court Justice
Leaves Visitation Intact
WASHINGTON - U.S. Supreme
Court Justice John Paul
Stevens has reviewed and left
unchanged aWisconsinSupreme
Court temporary order that allows
a lesbian to continue visiting
the biological son of her
former partner. Justice Stevens’
decision will allow Sandra Lynn
Holtzman to continue to visit the
6-year-old son ofher ex-partuer,
Elsbeth Knott, while Holtzman
appeals a court ruling the would
block her from having any visitation
rights with the boy,
Women’s Conf. Ends
Debating Lesbian Rights
BEIJING - The Fourth World
Conference on Women came to
a hair-breath dose following a
contentious debate over thefights
oflesbians. In the end, the United
Nations conference adopted a
set of guidelines that make no
mention of lesbians or sexual
orientation- a disappointment to
rights activists who nevertheless
considered the Beijing assemblage
a major step forward for
being the first UN~0nference
:’ The debate over whether to
include any reference to sexual
orientation in the conference’s
final doctnnent got off to a nasty
start as delegates from several
conservative, far-right and religions
organizations charged that
the UN gathering had a "secret
agenda" to impose Western culture
on emerging nations, to de-~
rail "traditional family values"
and to legalize pedophilia and
bestiality - all in the name of
assuring ci..vil rightsforlesbians.
Representatives ofmore than300
conservative groups went to
Beijing to lobby against what
they call an attack on "the traditional
family" inthe conference’s
draft Platform for Action.
Delegates from several countries
rose to object to including
sexual orientation in the draft
document. One delegate from
Bangladesh said, "If we allow
such an expression to appear in
such a serious document, my
delegation is afraid this will open
the floodgates for all .kinds of
behavior we cannot accept. It is
not innocent behavior." Another
ddegate - from Belize - compared
lesbianism to "prostitution
and strip-tease dancing."
Even with the continuing lesbian-
bashing by delegates, however,
at least 20 nations - including
South Africa, the United
States, Latvia and Israel - said
they had no objections to indudingsexual
orientationprotections
inthe draft document, and in fact
bdieved the guidelines included
lesbians whether the phrase was
explicitly included or not.
Although lesbian rights advocates
admitted they were disappointed
by the removal of sexual
orientation protections from the
final draft document, many acknowledged
that they had not
expected to win this first batde
on the world stage and weren’t
entirely dissatisfied with the
progress they felt they had made
in the international arena. Even
with this toned-down,"soft-sdl"
languageon sexual rights, at least
a score of nations with predominantly
Islamic or Catholic populations
strongly objected to the
paragraph. UN conference
spokeswoman Therese Gastaut
said the often rancorous debate
hadn’t been entirely a surprise
because the question of the legal
rights of homosexuals was un-
¯ charted territory for the intemathis
Is being discussed at the UN
¯ level," Gastaut told reporters.
: "All the implicationshave to be
¯ takenintoaccount...They’revery
¯
intricate."
Zimbabwe Parliament
! BacksAnti-Gay Remarks
¯ HARARE, Zimbabwe - A1-
¯ though it took no formal action,_
¯
.Zimbabwe’s Parliament erupted
¯ m a one-sided debate over ho-
¯ mosexuality as the country’s
¯
elected representatives made it
Cl~the~ ~fip~rted’ PreSident
¯ Robert.M~al~d’s fecentanfi-gay
¯ campaign. One MP said gays
¯ shouldbequarantined"in aniso-
: lation hospital until they are
¯ .treated." AnotherMP urged that
¯ the country’s schools use antigay
teachings.
¯ No ’Cou pies’ Questions
¯ in Canadian Census
TORONTO - According to a
¯ report in the Toronto Globe and
¯ Mail, the Canadian census report
in 1996 will not include
questions activists had wanted
that would have begun gather-
. ing information on same-sex
¯ couples in the country. In test
: questions, the agency .that
¯ handles the census found that
some Canadians were "Mien-
" ated"by questions about gay and
¯ lesbian couples and recom-
¯
mouth of the Loire River, decided
to begin certifying gay and
: lesbian couples. Deputy Mayor
¯ Maxime Batard said at a press
," conference that "all we have
¯ sought to do is give homosexu-
¯ als the same rights as other citi- ¯
zens." Batardacknowledged that
the domestic partnership certificates
had little legal effect since
-" the French national government
¯
controls most benefits enjoyed
¯ by spouses. "Ours is a symbolic
¯ gesture," Batard Said. ;’If it can
¯ get things moving on a national
¯
level, thatwouldbepretty goOd."
The town ofsome70,000 people
¯ is believed tobe thefirstin France
¯
to offer partnership certificates
¯
to gays and lesbians.
Paris Mayors Endorse
¯ Partner Certificates
¯ PARIS-~!naj0intpress commu- ¯
uique, the six district mayors of
Paris said they wanted "to contribute
to equality between citizens,
whatever their personal
¯ situation." Gays and lesbians in
Paris have worked hard to get
recognitionfor their relationships
and they suffer discriminationin
¯ a number of areas as couples
¯ without some legal recognition
of their partnerships. The "com-
, mon life" certificates that the
¯ district mayors endorsed would
havenolegal authority, butrights
mended against the questions. ¯ -activists Said i.t would be a sig-
"Weknow fromtesting thatthere ¯ nificantbeginning to achieving
areCanadianswhofeeloffended, " full equal rights for gays and
uncomfortable with that living " lesbians.
arrangement," said a spokesper- :
son for the enumeration agency. Canadian Parliament
"TheobjectiveofthecenSusisto " Nixe~ Marriage Bill
: count everyone."
Shocking Gray
Files for Bankruptcy
¯ SAN ANTONIO, TeXas - The
: San Antonio Express has con-
," firmed that the lesbian and gay
¯ mail-order firm Shocking Gray ¯
has in fact filed for bankruptcy.
¯ The paper reports that the firm,
noted for its slick catalogs and
¯ sometimes upscale items aimed
¯ -at gay and lesbian consumers,
¯ filedpapers indicatedit was more
: than $250,000 indebt. Shocking
Gray was founded in 1991 andat
¯
its peak, the company’s catalog
¯ was being mailed out to some 2
¯ million households.
¯ French Town Goes for
: Domestic.Partnerships
SAINT-NAZAIRE, France -
.France has entered, the.domestic
partnership campaign when
OTTAWA-Canada’s House of
Commons came back from its
¯ summer recess and launched its
¯ new legislative session by voting
against recognizing same¯
sex marriages. The Commons
voted 124-52 against a bill put
¯
forward by openly gay MP Real
¯ Menard that would have ex-
’: tended legal recognition to gay
¯ and lesbian marriages. In a related
development, the Canadian
Union Of Public Employees said
¯ it would appeal anOntario court
ruing that.the union cannot extend
pension and other taxable
~ benefits to.the unmarried, same-
- sex partners of union members.
: The Canadian Supreme Court
had earlier ruled that anti-gay
discrimination is illegal, but that
¯ the government has the right to
withhold tax benefits from same--
" sex couples if it chooses to. Th2
¯
matter that the government
¯ should not have any business
~ restricting.
¯ ’Celluloid Closet’ Wins
¯ at Toronto Film Festival
¯ TORONTO - The "Celluloid
¯ -Closet, the just-released doch-
¯ mentary film that examines .the
¯ Hollywood motion picture
¯ industry’s depictions oflesbians
¯ and gay men,.was awardeda2nd
¯ place award at theToronto Inter-
. national.Film Festival. ’.’Cellu-
: 10id Closet’.’ was made by Oscar
¯ winning film makers Rob
¯ Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.
¯ Helms Upset Over
Lesbian Seminar
RALEIGH, N.C. - Sen. Jesse
¯ Helms (R-N.C.) seems currently
¯
to have gotten his anti-gay nose
¯ in a suit over a workshop at the
recent UN-sponsored women’s
¯ conference in Beijing that covered
flirting techniques for lesbians.
In a letter to Bob Atwood,
¯ head of the U.S. Agency for In-
¯
ternationalDevelopment, Helms
¯ wrote: "What, pray tell, does a
¯ "workshop’ on "flirting tech-
¯ uiques for lesbians’ have to do
with women’s rights? I beg you!
Please assure me that no U.S.
¯ money in the United Nations
¯ special trust fund belpedpay for
¯
this outrageous program!’"
¯ Atwood succincdy told Helms,
¯ now chairman of the Senate For-
" eign Relations Committee, that
¯ none ofthe U.S. money that went
¯ helped pay for the UN confer-
¯, ence in Beijing went to support
the flirting seminar, which took
¯ place at a parallel gathering of
¯ representatives from non-gov-
¯ ernmentalorganizations (NGO).
Helms insisted, however, that
¯ U.S. funds had also been used to
¯ support the NGO conference.
"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"
¯ To Go to Circuit Court
¯ WASHINGTON - Beginning
¯ Dec.4,the4thU.S.CircuitCourt ¯
of Appeals will hear arguments
¯ concermng the case of former
Navy Lt. Paul Thomasson. Only
: days after thecompromisepolicy
¯ wentinto effect,Thomassontold
¯
his commander about his sexual
¯ orientation. Ironically, the com-
¯ m~nder was in charge of admin- ¯
istering the new policy. When
¯
the Navy moved to discharge
¯ him, Thomasson took his case to
¯ federal court.Whenhe lost there,
he appealed to the 4th Circuit
¯ Court.
rERSON
REALTORS*
LEA ANN MACOMBER
Realtor Associate
Mobile: 671-2010
2642 E. 21st St.reet ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114
Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795
_P~o.ject
ReDirecto~®
Recycle your
phonebook here
~arthd;riendll/ !~roduets,
The Natural Choice
In Lincoln Plaza on Cherry Street
131.4 East 15th ¯ 582-ENVR
News Briefs N=
Coroner in Trouble Over
"Gay Rape" Remarks
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington
Gov. Mike Lowry has called
on a state medical board to consider
disciplinary action against
Dr, DexterAmend, the Spokane
coroner who stunned locals by
saying that homosexuals wereresponsible
for the murder-rape
of a 9-year-old girl because she
had been sodomized. Gov.
Lowry told the state’s medical
board to take "any and all appro-
.pnate action.necessary’ in ,examini.
ng Amend’s case, The
commission has the authority to
take a variety of actions, up to
and including revoking the
coroner’s medical license.
Although the uncle of the girl
had already confessed to the
murder-rape of the girl and authorities
said the 9-year-old’s
parents had been under investigation.
on possible ehildmolestation
charges as wall before her
death earlier this year, Amend
told reporters that homosexuals
were really responsible for the
crime, although the girl’s uncle
is heterosexual. "She’s been
sodomized over and over, and
sodomy is a homosexual act - it
is," Amend said in a published
interview after his autopsy ofthe
child. ’¢Fo have everybody think
homosexuality is okay is abuneh
of baloney, I don’t care what the
political ramifications areonthis.
It’ s ahorrible, unbelievable thing
that this child went through, and
they (homosexuals) destroyed
her life.’"
Oregon Ex-Governor
Joins HRCF Board
WASHINGTON Former Oregon
Gov. Barbara Roberts.has
joined the board of directors of
the Human Rights Catnpaign
Fund, the Washington, D.C.-
based gay lobbying organization.
"’I am looking forward to participating
in the leadership of
HRCF," said Gov. Roberts in a
press statement. "Wemust enlist
the support of more and more
non- gay citizens to join this
effort to ensure that all Americans
without exception may live
free from discrimination." During
two attempts by anti-gay activists
in Oregon to pass ballot
measures that would have prohibited
civil rights protections
for gays and lesbians, Gov. Roberts
was aleading and outspoken
opponent of the anti-gay initia-
"fiVeS.
;ws Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News
¯ ~European Human Rights
" ;Commission Rules for
Transsexual Dad
STRASBOURG, France - The
European Human Rights Commission
has ruled by a 13-5 vote
that the refusal of British offi-
¯ cials to register the female-to-
~ male transsexual father of his
wife’s child, which was conceived
by artificial insemination,
¯" is a violation of the European
HumanRights Convention. Brit-
" ish authorities hadrefnsed to reg-
¯¯ ister the unnamed transsexual as .-
the child’s father, arguing that
¯ only biological males could be
¯ considered the father of children
in birth registries. The case will
¯ now go to the European Human
¯ Rights Court which will make a
." final riding on whether the re-
. fusal to register the transsexual
¯ as.the child’s father breached the
¯ European convention and what
¯ possible remedies mustbe taken.
City ofAustin to Consider
¯ Gay Youth Policies
¯ AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin
_. City Council Said it will take
¯ under consideration a set of rec- ¯ ommendations from the city’s
¯ humanrights commissionaimed
¯ at reducing anti-gay discrimina- ¯
tion in public schools and other
¯ city-runinsfitutions. Among the
¯ 10-point recommendations the
¯ human rights commissioners ¯
have sent to the council for ac-
¯ tion: implementing policies to
¯ prevent harassment of gay, le,s-
¯ bian and bisexual students in ¯
public schools; offer school staff
¯ training about anfi- gay discrimi-
¯ nation; de~elop-social’andhealth- -
¯ related services to meet thespe- "
" cific needs of gay and lesbian
¯ .students; make more informa¯
tion about sexual orientation
available through the city’s public
libraries. The HRC recommendations
grew out of public
hearings it held last year on anti-
" gay harassment and bias in the
school system. James Hill, head
of the city HRC, said of the
commission’s recommendations,
"Wehave toremember the
¯ voice of young people.’"
Man Files Bias Suit
Against Computer Firm ¯
SAN FRANCISCO-Anopenly
¯
g.ay man has filed a discriminanon
lawsuit against Adobe Systems,
the Mountain view, Ca-
" lif.-based high-tech computer
¯ firm. Dale Short worked as an
administrative assistant at the
¯ company for two years where he was givenexcelt:e-~tij~fform~nce
." reviews and bonuses before be-
" ing suddenly fired earlier this
¯ year after a new supervisor
¯ started in his division. The com-
" pany denies any wrongdoing in
¯ Short’s dismissal.
: Modest Step
¯" Forward in Romania
BUCHAREST-The Romanian
¯ Parliamenthas approvedchanges
in the nation’s laws that would
e,ase the~ ,f,e.d.eral, pe,nal~e,s for i hdmoseXual b~hav{or byl.making
it illegal onl~, When it creates
¯ a "public scandal," a modest
: move forward in the country’s
¯ draconian anti-gay laws. The
." new "public scandal"law would
¯ carry prison terms of as much as ¯
5 years in jail with jail terms up
¯" to 7 years if a minor is involved.
Members of the Chamber of
: Deputies saidthenewlaw would
¯
penalize homosexual behavior
¯ only if it caused a "public out-
. rage." But international rights
¯ activists said thelaw makes little
¯ sense because any complaint to
¯ authorities about any alleged
¯ homosexual behavior - whether
¯ public or private- automatically
: is classified as a "public scan-
" dal" simply because someone
¯ has complained. Romania has
been the object of criticism from
: humanrights organizations such
." as Amnesty International over
¯ its anti-gay laws ever since the
¯ fall of the Communist regime in
¯ the Balkan nation. The country
¯ also wants to join the economi-
¯ cally impoltantEuropean Union,
which requires¢hat member nauons
not have laws with biases
against homosexuals if any EU
memberobjects. After DutchEU
representatives insisted that
Romania’s anti-gay laws violated
membership guidelines,
Romanianofficials said last year
that the proposed "public scan=
dal" law would meet the EU
reqmrements.
Students Protest
Teacher’s Firing
NEWIPSWICH, N.H.- Dozens
of students walked out of classes
at Mascenic High School to protest
the firing of teacher Penny
Culliton by the Mascenic school
board for using books with gay
and lesbian characters in her
English classes, including the
E.M. Forster classic novel
Maurice. Cnlliton is fighting her
firing, with .the~ ~upport of the
National Education Assn. One
¯ of the students organizing the
¯ campus protest was Lori ¯
Malboeuf, whose father is the
¯ local police chief.
." Protest Over Verona
¯ Govt’sAnti-Gay Decision
¯
VERONA, Italy-Thousands of
¯ gays and lesbians took to the
¯ streets of Verona, the setting for
¯ Shakespeare’s "Romeo and
Juliet," to protest a city council
¯ action earlier this year rejecting
: a European Union resolution
¯ suppor.".tmg equal righ ts of same- ¯
sex couples. In rejecting the EU
¯ resOlution, some council mem-
¯ bers had called instead called for ¯
castrating homosexuals. An es-
¯ timated 5,000 people turned out
¯ for the protest, one of the largest
¯ in the city’s recent history.
¯ NY Court to Consider
: Anti-Gay Prejudice
¯ ALBANY, N.Y. - The New
¯ York Court of Appeals: the
¯ state’s highestjudicial body, will
: . now consider the"sexual prefer-
" enee and behavior" of anyone
¯ condemned to death in the state
¯ to determine if their convictions
¯ were influenced by anti-gay biases.
The decision by the court,
¯ which will also weigh race, ¯
ethnicity, citizenship, education
¯ and other factors in evaluating
¯ possibleprejudiceinconvictions
¯ in lower courts, is a result of the ¯
state’s reinstituting the death
¯ penalty. The court will also con-
- sider similar information about
¯ murder victims in appeals it
evaluates..
¯ Teachersln TroubleOver
! Alleged Gay Sex Talk
¯ SANFRANCISCO-Twotcach- ¯
ers at a San Francisco middle
school have lost theirCalifornia
¯ teaching credentials for bring-
, ing in guest speakers in 1992
who allegedly gave 6th-graders
¯ an explicit description of gay
sex.
"This matter indeed represents
the first bullets fired in what we
can see as a growing campaign
to eradicate such grotesque violation
ofparents’ rights in public
schools," said Brad Dacus, a Sac-
: ramento attorney with the
Rutherford Institute, who repre-
¯ sented Bruce Budnick, a father
." whose daughter was.in the class.
¯ The Rutherford Institute is an
¯ arch-conservative legal group ¯
based in Virginia that has close
¯ ties with the religious right.
¯ The decision, was.,hailed as a
; victoryby parental rights advocates,
who say parents of schoolchildren
should have the chance
to preview classroom-materials
that may be considered offensive
or inappropriate. The Gay
& Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation, San Francisco Bay
Area noted in its Media Advisory
that San Francisco schools
do have a parental notification
requirement. However, Budnick
claims he never received prior
notification.
GLAAD/SFBA also notes that
theclassroompresentation which
was given by the organization
Community United Against Violence
(CUAV) was 55 minutes
long, almost all of which focused
on hate violence and
homophobia. GLAAD claims
that the discussion of sexuality
was extremely brief and was in
direct response to unprompted
questions made by the students.
Thedecision to revoke the credentials
of the teachers was condemnedbyteaching
officials and
rights advocates whosaidit raises
serious questions about classroom
censorship and academic
freedoms. Judy Dellamonica,
vice president of the teachers’
union in San Francisco, said the
case raises censorship and freedomquestions
about "all ofthose
kinds of things that are very near
and dear to teachers’ hearts."
"This is avery unusual case,"
Dellamonica said. "To have a
credential revoked when the
teacher - or in this case, teachers
- did not directly do anything is
not at all a good precedent."-A
spokesperson for the c~ty’s
schools said the district may file
an~appeal in the case along with
the teachers’ union which is acting
in the unidentified .teachers
behalf.
(Editor’s note : Tulsa Public
Schools typicallyprovide "sex"
education at grade six,)
Activist Redwing Ailing
PORTLAND, Ore. - Rights activist
Donna Redwing collapsed
during a gay rights workshop
shewas conducting in Indianapolis
on Sept. 30. She has been
diagnosed with operable brain
tumors. Redwing, who was a
leading organizer who helped
work against passage of an antigay
ballot initiative in Oregonin
1992 and other civil rights programs,
said "the initial episode
was very frightening" but added
that her. doctors "are confident
of a quick recovery" following
brain surgery.
Kelly Kirby
Certified Public Accountant
Lesbians & Gays face many special tax
situations whether single or as couples.
We are proud to serve our communities
with sensitive & timely information.
747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159
¯ BROOKSIDE:
JEWELRY
4649 South Peoria
743-5272
Comer of 48th & Peoria
9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday
Shop Where You
Are Appreciated!
Lesbian Health Issues
STANFORD, Calif. - Dr. Kathenne
O’Haulan, a gynecological oncologist at
StanfordUniversity, reports in the current
issue of Current Problems in Obstetrics,
GynecologyandFertility that lesbians are
at greater risk for a number of health
problems - largdy because of ignorance,
neglect or outright hostility among physicmns
who treat them. O’Hanlan’s study
reviewed virtually all data.from all les=
bian health studies everdoneandincluded
information that covered a total of more
than 13,000 lesbians in seven different
surveys. "Given their demographic profile.
lesbians appear to be at higher risk of
breast, ovarianandendometrial carcinoma
[cancer], as well as heart disease,"
O’Haulan reported. The Stanford associate
professor also concluded that one possible
conlributingfactor to thehealth problems
faced by lesbians arises at least in
part because they feel alienated by the
medical establishment, causing them to
visit their physicians less often than other
women. "There is ample evidence that
lesbians have been alienated from medical
practice, either by accidental offense
by a well-meaning doctor or by prejudice,"
she said. "’It’s essential that we
welcome them back into the medical fold
in order to provide appropriate screening
and testing for these illnesses." O’Hanlan
said physicians can make even fairly minor
changes in their office routines, that
would make lesbians feel more welcome,
from forms that recognize relationships
like domestic partners, to involving the
patient’s parmer in m~ijor medical decisions
the same as a married spouse would
be.
Red Cross Accused of
Censoring AIDS Info. Materials
NEW YORK - The New York Times has
reported that the American Red Cross is
trying to shift its AIDS prevention programs
away from explicit materials at the
urging of]~izabeth Dole, its national president
and the wife of Kansas Sen. Bob
Dole, a Republican presidential contender
who has recently been wooing conservatives.
The Times reported that its investigation
found no documented evidence that
the move was part of a political agenda,
but the papers quoted HIV/AIDS activists
who clearly believe the Red Cross policy
shift is rooted in the U.S. presidential
campaign. Shana Ross, who heads the
Houston Red Cross’ HIV/AIDS program,
told the Times, "It is unconscionable. I
have to take into account that this is because
of who our president is, who her
husband is and the fact that he’s involved
in a campaignnow forthe presidency, and
he is seemingly losing ground to oppo-
.he,n,tSo whq ar~e more co,nservati~e ~..a~,,he
IS.
A spokesperson for the Dole campaign
denied any connection between his wife’s
"personal views" and the Kansas
Republican’s presidential bid. The paper
reported that Red Cross officials had developed
an expanded AIDS prevention
program earlier this year, but, that the
agency board, at the prompting of Mrs.
Dole, had made substantial changes in the
recommended program, including extensive
changes in print and video materials
that wefe considered too explicit and
¯ graphic. AIDS activists, however, said
: that more explicit prevention materials
: are exactly what is needed to fight the
. spread of HIV in the U.S. .:~ -
¯ Inexpensive, Fast HIV Teat "
¯ Developed by Indian Scientists
¯
NEW DELHI - The Press Trust of India
¯ reports that biochemists with Delhi Uni=
¯¯ versity have developed an HIV test tliat
takes only a drop of blood and just a few
¯ seconds to detect virus antibodies. The
o Indian news agency reports that the new
¯ test wasfound to be accurate in 99 out of ¯
100 random samples tested. The Delhi
¯ University researchers said however that
¯ they want to evaluate the reliability oLthe
¯ simple new test on thousands of samples
° before making it widely available. Ac-
: cording to the agency report, the test also
: has the advantage of requiring no more
¯ than a drop ofa chemical reagent added to
¯ a drop of the blood to be tested. The two
~ are mixed together on a glass Slide and in
¯ 5 or 10 seconds the blood will "clot" in
¯ globules ifHIV is present, but will remain
¯
unchanged if it is not. Researchers say
: that the test, if it proves to be reliable,
¯ would be a boon in poor countries here ¯
high-technology tests are often prohibi-
¯ tive and in areas where electricity is absent.
¯ Study of Effectiveness of AZT-
& Other AIDS Drugs
WASHINGTON - The widely used
¯ AIDS-fighting drug AZT appears to be
¯ less effective than either ddI, ddI with
¯ AZT, or ddC with AZT. Nearly 2,500
." AIDS patients were given one or the other
¯ of the drugs or drug combinations in a
¯ study conducted by the National Institute
¯ of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for
¯ almost a 3-year period. Patients who re-
- ceived ddI, ddI with AZT or ddC with
¯ AZT were sick less often that those who ¯ received AZT by itself. There have long
] been doubts about how much good AZT
¯ reallydoes people WithAIDS and numer-
¯ ous studies have shown its effectiveness
wears off over time. But researchers say it
¯ is too early to abandon AZT.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID,
: said, "It is quite conceivable that AZT
¯ will have a role as one of a group of drugs
¯" used in combination" Most of the pa¯
tients in the studywere in themiddle stage
of the disease - relatively healthy when
¯ the study began - evidence researchers
say that treatment at that stage does make
¯ a difference. The study is also important ¯
becauseit is the first to show that a drug or
¯ combination of drugs can actually increase
survival or delay disease progression
among people.who have not yet de-
" vel0ped full-blown AIDS symptoms.
: Rape & HIV Used as
¯ Weapons in Global Conflicts
¯ BONN, Germany - A United Nations
~ study commissionhasconcludedthatrape
¯ of both males and females is increasingl,y
¯ being used as a "weapon of warfare"
¯ around the world, leading to increasing
¯
risks oFthe spread of HIV. In some in-
:’~ "gfaflc,~s,’th~ co~ssi0n ft~tmd, purpose-
. ful sexual exposure to HIV of conquered
¯ civilians and military personnel was part
¯ ofmilitary operations in some global con-
: flicts. "Armed conflicts in Bosnia, Cam¯
bodia, Mozambique and Rwanda have
demonstratedthatrapeisseenasaweapon
° of warfare to humiliate the enemy," said
: Grace Machel, who is the head of the UN
¯ study panel. Machel noted that during the
¯ 1994 fighting in- Rwanda, men from the
¯ Humtribe who were known to beinfected
¯ with HIV were allowed to systematically
¯
rape captive members of the Tutsi tribe
¯ with"the objective being to inflict a slow
: and ’lingering, but certain, death on the
’:’’ TutsiJ’Thepanel willrecommend, among
: other things, the creation of a permanent
¯ UNwarcrimes tribunal to investigate and
¯ try such crimes.
¯ Getting ’Demographic’
¯ About AIDS on the Internet
CHICAGO- According to the Journalof
¯ the American Medical Association, the
: latest addition to the multimedia material
¯ available on-the Interact is an animated ¯
graphic illustrating mortality rates from
¯ AIDS,mapped outby counties on a week-
." .by-week basis, from 1-981~ through 1993.
¯ ’JAMA says the demographic multimedia
¯ mini-movie provides no new insights into
¯ the epidemic, but goes on to say that the
¯ dramatic presentation of the spread of ¯
deaths from AIDS could be a powerful
¯ educational tool: The graphic can be 1o-
¯ cated on the InterneEs World Wide Web
¯ at the.fo.Howing location: ht(p://
¯ www.clesm.org/datasets/cdc-nci/cdcnci.
html (Note that the lower case format
: throughout theWeb’address is essential.).
¯ Federal Science Panel: Needle
¯ Exchange Programs Fight HIV
¯
WASHINGTON - A new study by the
: U.S. National Academy of Sciences has
¯ concluded that the spread of HIV is re-
" duced by programs that ensure people
¯ who inject illicit drugs have access to
_" cleanneedles.Thereportnotesthatneedle_
¯ swap programs are most effective when ¯
¯ combinedwith other services, including drugabuseandHIV counseling, HIV test-
" ing, treatment referrals, and condom distribution.:
Lincoln Moses, a retired health
policy professor at Stanford University
¯ who chaired the studypanel, says needle
¯ exchanges are an’inexpensive and effec- ¯
¯ tive way to help drug users avoid infection
through sharing needles.
"After careful and exhaustive Study,
my colleagues on the panel and I have
determined thatneedle exchangeprograms
work," Moses said. "They reduce the
spread of HIV. They do not increase either
the injection of illegal drugs among
program participants or the number of
new initiates to injection drug use. Additionally,
they often result in more referrals
to drug abuse treatment." The. panel
also concluded that the AIDS epidemic in
¯ theU.S.is now beinglargelydrivenbythe
] use of shared, contaminated needles by
¯ IV drug users - not by sexual activity as it
-" apparently was early on.
¯ The problem is even worse in other
¯ countries, according to pond member
¯ David Vlahov, an epldemiologist with
JohnHopkins Uni,v,ersity School ofMedi-
¯ cine in Baltimore. ’In countries of Europe
¯ - in particular Italy and Spain- HIVinfec-
¯ tion is rampant among injection drug us- ¯ ers," Vlahov said. "While in this country
¯ perhaps one-third of the AIDS eases are
¯ due to injection drug use, in Italy and
Spain, it’s closer to 70,percent. The panel
~ .has recommended that the federal gov-
¯ emmentliftits banonfunding suchneedle-
" ilswap programs’, a recommendation that
¯
is sure to generate controversy in the
¯ capital’s current conservative political at-
¯ mosphere. It also has recommended that
¯ states and cities repeal any existing laws ¯
that might prevent the legal sale or pos-
¯" session of hypodermic injection equip-
. ment or require prescriptions for its pur--
¯ chase.
¯ AIDS Vaccine Trials
OK’d for Thailand
¯ SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Immune Re-
¯
sponse Corp. in San Diego has finalized
¯ an agreement with the Trinity Medical
¯ Group Co. of Thailand that will let IRC
¯ test its therapeutic AIDS vaccine with
¯ thousands of Thai volunteers in what is
¯ believ ed will be the largest ever test of ¯
such a vaccine so far in the epidemic. The
¯ Thai public health ministry has approved
¯ a one-year clinically controlled trial of the
¯ potential, vaccine on some 300 Thais who
are already infected with HIV. IRC says it
hopes the Thai trial will run concurrently
with a similar, larger clinical trial in the
U.S. that will involve some3,000 infected
¯ individuals, although the Food & Drug
Administration has yet to approve the
¯ U.S. trial. The vaccine, which was devel-
¯ oped by the late, Jonas Salk, has already
gone through preliminary safety trials.
¯ IRC hopes the proposed U.S.-Thai trials
will demonstrate the effectiveness of the
¯ vaccine in boosting the immune system
response among people who are already
infected with HIV.
Medical Bias in HIV Treatment
BALTIMORE- Johns Hopkins University
researchers have reported in the New
EnglandJournal ofMedicine that women
and minorities who are infected withHIV
¯ developfull-blownAIDS faster thanwhite
males because the health care delivery
¯ systemgives themunequal treatment. The
¯ study found that problems encountered ¯
¯ by women andminorities in.getting good
.health care outweigh other demographic
¯ ~ssues in how fast they progress to AIDS
¯ and how long they survive following in-
. fection.
UCLA Scientists Say They’ve
Found Crucial Gene in HIV
LOS ANGELES - Researchers at the
¯ AIDS Institute of the University of Call- ¯
fornia at Los Angeles (UCLA) report in
¯ the Journal of Virology that they have
¯ identified a gene in HIV that arrests CD4
¯ T-lymphocytereproduction. Theresearchers
report that the Vpr gene contains the
¯ plan for a protein that blocks CD4 cells,
¯ keeping them from reproducing. The dis-
. covery could aid in the development of
¯ new AIDS drugs that inhibit the gene’s
¯ growth in the body and permit immune
¯ cells to continuemultiplying and fending ¯
off the virus. Some scientists, however,
¯ warned that theUCLA work is still pre-
¯ liminary. "It’s a big leap to go from this
¯ observation in the laboratory to a state-
" ment that Vpr is what’s responsible for
¯ the depletion of the immune system in
¯ infected patiehts,’" said Dr. Daniel
¯ Kuritzkes of the University of Colorado ¯
Health Sciences Center.
Combined Drug ’Cocktail’
Reduces Death Rate
’ LONDON - Researchers in a joint ~uro-
: pean-Australian study have announced
: that they have found a "cocktail" of two
¯ approved drugs that significantly extend
¯ thelife ofpeople withAIDS, cutting death
rates.among patients who took the combi-
: nation by more than one-third. Dr Brian
¯ Gazzard, thepnncipalinvestigatorforthe ¯
trial in Britain, said, "It shows clear sur-
: -viral advantages for combination versus
¯ single agent therapy." Gazzard said researchers
were so impressedby their find-
" ings that they had stopped the years-long
: study .~3r,ly in order to publicly announce
¯" itbecauseoftheimportantimplicationsof
¯ their results for peoplewiththe disease. "I
think it will be used very rapidly clinically
¯ because tbese drugs are used on their own
: at the moment," Gazzard said. The study
¯ compared survival rates between people ¯
who were treated with ~zidothymidine
(AZT) and those treated with AZT plus
didanosine or zalcitabine. Although 17%
ofpatients who tookAZT died during the
trial, only 10% treated with didanosine
and 12% with zalcitabine did not survive.
Overall the reduction in death rate was 38
per cent for patients who took the two
drugs compared with those treated with
AZTalone. Thestudyinvolved some3,000
patients.
Prime Minister: HIV/AIDS
Over the Peak in Australia
CANBERRA, Australia - Australian
Prime Minister Paul Keating said his
.country’ s levelofHIV infection has passed
Its peak, in large part because of an aggressive
education and prevention campaign
against the epidemic. "A decade of
hard and unremitting effort in this country
has resulted in a welcome reduction in the
rates and incidence of both HIV and
AIDS," Keating said, notinghoweverthat
the disease continues to increase in Britain
and the U.S.
Keating also announced that the government
would finance a 3rd five-year
campaign startingnext year, whenits $75-
million second five-year effort comes to
an end. Keating said that specific details
of the new strategy had yet to be worked
out but that it would focus on research,
.care and treatment, education and prevenuon,
and the international fight against
the epidemic. There have been nearly
19,000 HIV infections reported in Australia
since 1985, and government figures
now show the number of new infections
" has leveled off at about 600 annually.
¯
HIV InNewborns Declining
¯ CHICAGO -Researchers with the Cen-
," ters for Disease Control and Prevention
¯ report in the current issue of the Journal of
: the American Medical Association that
fewer HIV-infected infants are being born
in the U.S. Dr. Susan F. Davis reported in
¯ the journal that it is unclear why the de-
. eline has occurred. CDC data however
¯ indicates that the number of newborns
: infected with HIV peaked in 1991 with
¯ 1,760 babies born with the virus, and fell
in both 1992 and 1993.
_" The researchers suggested that the rea-
¯ son for the trend could include decreased ¯
fertility among H!V-infected women, an
¯ increased number of abortions among
¯ women infected with the virus, or alevel-
¯ ing off of HIV incidence in women of
¯ childbearing age. The scientists said the ¯ numbers could fall even further if.preg-
: nant women are treated with the drug
¯ AZT, which dramatically reduces the risk
ofmother-to-child transmission from25%
to just 8%, Davis and her team said.
¯ Baboon MarrowTransplant HIV
¯
¯ Procedure Moving Forward
SAN FRANCISCO - The University of
California-San Francisco has given the
¯ go-ahead to an experimental treatment
.. that will inject baboon bone marrow into
¯ a man who has AIDS in an effort to build
¯ his immune system. JeffGetty, a38-yearr
¯ old man ,w,ho volunteered for the proce¯
dure, saxd I m lucky to havemade it this
far. The wait has been unbelievable."
¯ Researchers at San Francisco General
¯ Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh
had to get,approval of the Food & Drug
Administration for the untried procedure.
Fi-DELITY Hg/V~E HE_ALTH CA_RE, IN(_.
Tulsa Office
486-11.74.. -
800-999-3442
We provide comprehensive home health services
24.hourslday, seven days/week.
The range ofservices include:
Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s)
Home health aides, Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy, OccUpational-Therapy
Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care
Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing
and Companion sitter services.
This list is not all inclusive.
Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues.
Free & Anonymous
Finger Stick Method
B~! &for, but not exclusive .
to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Commumties.
Monday & Thursday evenings:
7-8:30 pm .for testing, 7-9 pm for results.
Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment.
TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights
742-2927
4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 -
2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium
Look for our banner on testing nights.
Jeffrey A. Beal, MD
Ted Campbell, LCSW
Ginny Buffer, RN MS
Specialized in HIV Care
Providing Comprehensive Primary Care
Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services
We have many insurance provider affiliations
- ifyou belong to an insurance program
that does not list us as providers,
call us and we will apply.
1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210
Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000
QUALITY
OF LIFE
ALTERNATIVE
WHAT IS VIATICATION?
Viatication is the process through which a person
living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment
from tile face value of their insurance policy.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A
VIATICAL SETTLEMENT?
Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you
must have a documentable terminal illness, and life
insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole
life, or a group policy.
HOW MUCH IS MY
POLICY WORTH?
The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical
settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy
and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is
suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically
range from60% to90% ofa policy’s face value, depending
on the specifics of your policy and medical history.
Southwest
HOW DOES A HOW IS SOUTHWEST
SETTLEMENT WORK? VIATICAL DIFFERENT?
With your written permission, we gather medical and
insurance records with which to determine your policy’s
value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You
may always decline the offer with no obligation
whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is
made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your
policy, and you owe us nothing.
IS VIATICATING MY
POLICY THE RIGHT
CHOICE FOR ME?
Many factors influence whether viaticating your life
insurance is the best financial alternative available for
Today, many companies offer viatical settlements,
doing business only by bulk advertising aud 1-800
numbers. They transfer yourinsuranceandmedical records
by mail, and do business from another state.
At Southwest Viatical, webelieveyou shonldbe assured
of complete confidentiality and the best possible servxce
by working with us xn person, face-to-face. We are
involved on a community level, and are responsible
directly to our local community.
By working with you in person, but at the same time
having access to nationwide financial resources, we are
able to deliver, the best value on your policy available
today.-And because of our established resources, we can
you. SouthwestViatical can discuss all of the factors with de.liver¯ a settlement in less than a third the time other
youandyourfamilyinperson,indetail~an’dcanrec0mmend companies take byfliatt, typically in fewer than 30 days.
an experienced Certified Financial Planner tdassist yoii’ We’ll do what it takes
in planning the best outcome from your unique financial to find the best solution for you.
situation.
Home Office
Dallas, Texas
800-559-4790
Kelly Kirby
Oklahoma Representative
POB 14011
Tulsa, OK 74159-1011
918-747-3320
SUNDAYS
Bless the Lord At All
Times Christian Center
Sunday School, 9:45 am
Worship Service, 11 am
2627-B East 1 l th.
Info: 583-7815
Community of Hope
(United Methodist)
Worship Service, 6 pm
1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800
Family of Faith
Metro. Comm. Church
Worship Service, 11 am
5451-E South Mingo.
Info: 622-1441
Metro. Comm. Church
of Greater Tulsa
Worship Service, 10:45am
1623 N. Maplewood
Info: 838-1715
TheBanned,OKGay Band
Practice weekly in OKC
Info: 838-2121
Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay
Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa
6:30pm at Canterbury
5th & Evanston
Info: 583-9780
MONDAYS
HIV Testing
TOHR Clinic
Free & anonymous testing
using fingerstick
method.
No appointment required.
Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm
Results hours: 7-gpm
Info: 742-2927
Lambda Bowling League
Sheridan Lanes
8:45 pm
3121 S. Sheridan
TUESDAYS
Minister’s Class
Bless the Lord at All
Times Christian Center
7:30 pm
2627-B East llth
Info: 583-7815
ItIV+ Support Group
HIV Resource Consortitun
1:30 pm
4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1
Info: Wanda @ 749-4194
WEDNESDAYS
Authority OfThe Believer
Bible Study, 7 pm
MCC of Greater Tulsa
1623 N. Maplewood
Info: 838-1715
Bless The Lord At All
Times Christian Center
Choir Practice 7 pm
2627-B East 1 lth
Call 583-7815 for info.
PFLAG Family AIDS
Support Group
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
4154 S. Harvard
Info: 749-4901
Family Of Faith MCC
Potluck 6:30 pm
Bible Study 7 pm
Choir Practice 8 pm
5451-E South Mingo.
Call 622-1441 for info.
¯¯ THURSDAYS
16-Step Empowerment
." Group For Women
¯ Community of Hope
: 1703 E. 2rid, Info: 585-1800
¯ Co-Dependency
Support Group
." 7:30, Family of Faith MCC
¯ 5451-E S. Mingo
C~all 622-1441 for Info.
HIVTestingTOHRClinic
Free & anonymous testing
using fingerstick method.
No appointment required.
Walkin testing: 7 - 8:30pm
Results hours: 7 - 9pm
Info: 742-2927
Prayer Time
MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm
1623 N. Maplewood
Info: 838-1715
Tulsa Family Chorale
Weekly practice, 9:30 pm
Lola’s 2630 E. 15th
PFLAG Family.AIDS
Support Group
1st & 3rd Thursdays
4154 S. Harvard
Info: 749-4901
SATURDAYS
Narcotics Anonymous
Meets weekly at 11 pm
Confidential support for
recovering addicts.
Community of Hope
1703 E. 2rid, lnfo: 585-1800
NAMES Project
AIDS Memorial Quilt
Sewing Bees
3rd Sat. of each month
Info: 748-3111
¯
MORE GROUPS
¯
Gay & Lesbian Student
¯ Association
TJC Southeast Campus,
lnfo: 631-7632
¯ SWAN-Single Women’s
Activity Network
: Call 832-2121
¯ TOHR Helpline ¯
Daily 8-10 pm
: For info. or to volunteer:
¯ 743-GAYS
Tool Box Technicians,
Leather org.,
Info c/o The Tool Box:
584-1308
T.U.L.S,A.
¯ Tulsa Uniform &
Leather Seekers Assoc.
¯ Info: 838-1222
Community Events
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 13-15
NAMES ProjectAIDS Memorial Quilt
Fri. 6:30-10:30, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-6:30
Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa FairGrounds
Opening: Fri. 6:30, Close: Sun. 6:30pro
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
Dignityllntegrity
Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians
5pm, St. Dunstan’s, 5635 E. 71st
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
Womens Supper Club Potluek~Picnic
Noon-Spm, Zink Park, 31st & Trenton
Info: 298-4648
Broken Arrow. Community Playhouse
Auditions for Androcles & the Lion
5pro, 1800 So. Main
Info: 258-0077
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group
Community of Hope United Methodist
4:30pro, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group)
Info: 585-1800
OCTOBER 27 & 28
NOVEMBER 2-4
NOVEMBER 5 Matinee
Broken Arrow Community Playhouse
Much Ado About Murder
8pm, 1800 So. Main, 2pro Matinee
Info: 258-0077
NOVEMBER 3
Bioethical Issues ofHIVIAIDS
Religious, Legal & Medical Conference
Spann Conf. Ctr. at Doctor’s Hospital
8am, Info: 258-0077
Editorial fromp. 3
employers or property owners should be
able to discriminate basedtheir view that
at~ employee or renter, etc. engages in
"morally offen~v~"*b~havi6i: ~illd lead
to Catholics discriminating against Jews,
Protestants againSt Catholics, Whites
against Blacks about whom racist arguments
traditionally were disguised in
"moral" terms. Thisat~osition contradicts
our constitution and laws which Largent
claims to uphold. This is hardlyjust "Gay"
-concemo
There is one other issue. Steve Largent
regularly states thathebelieves that sexual
orientation is a matter of choice. It seems
likely that he would not presume as a
white man to try to tell someone who is
Af,..fic~American~.-what’it’s like to be
Bi-~k= ~st~ iti’S:i~El~,. that he would as a
man respectwomen’s perspectiveon what
it is like to be a woman, or as an selfprofessed
Christian not presume to speak
to Jewish experience. So why is it that he
listens to Lesbians and Gay men and then
tell us he knows our experience better
than we do?. Overwhelmingly we have
noted that we can hide or ignore our
sexual and gender identities but that there
is no real choice in who we are - only in
our expression. Sure, there are a few tortured
souls, who having internalized anti-
Gaypropaganda, put themsdves intonowwall
discredited "redirection" programs.
Those few do not represent us.
Largent should know this - after all he
should be able to draw from his own
experience of knowing what his orientation
is. And that is the heart of the matter.
The only way he can have any credibility
saying being Gay is a choice is if he is
willing to say he was Gay or Bi and has
chosen not to be. If he’s just heterosexual,
then he needs to hush up and listen to
those whose lives and rights are at stake.
AM N
The first Family
of lesbian and
travel uides
proudly announces
its newest addition!
The first and only full<~olor gay and
lesbian accommodations 6~uide.
Features 450 pages of
~hotographs, detailed descriptions,
multiple cross index, and much more.
° DAMRON
MAIL ORDER
The ultimate resource for gay and lesbian traveller~ ~<
around the world. <~
For a free catalog call
(800) 462-6654 o
or write:po DamrOnB4o2x2458Company
L~
San Franci~o, CA 94142-24~
~
Sonny Bono (R-Ca.), headlined !the celebrataon
of family and coming out called
"A Family Outing." There was also a
barbecue buffet, speechesby member of
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians
and Gays (PFLAG), as well as comedians
and entertainers, including the gay and
lesbian cheerleading group Cheer Dallas.
"By focusing on family, we hope to
increase awareness that discrimination
based on sexual orientauon is not just a
gay issue, but one that impacts parents,
siblings, relatives and friends, who often
feel it necessary to lie about people they
love who are gay for fear of rejection or
retaliation by co-workers or acquaintances,"
Gore said. "The purpose of National
Coming Out Day is for lesbians, gay men,
and bisexuals to be open and honest about
who they arewith their families; friends,
and co-workers." The tent that played
host to the daylong activities drew overflow
crowds for the speeches by Gingrich
and Bono.
"Both Chastity and Candace courageously
stepped forward and set an example
for gay people everywhere," Gore
said. "We are delighted to have these two
prominent women celebrating National
Coming Out Day with us in Dallas."
"This type of event and coming out are
the most important things we can do,"
Bono said in a brief speech. "Finally, I’m
able to make a statement and make a
difference withmy ownpeople." Chastity
Bono’s sexual Orientation has been the
subject of entertainment industryrumors
since it was first reported inthe Star in
1990. Another aiaide appeared in the National
Enquirer soon after the 1994 death
of Bono’s companion to cancer. Bono " The event at the fair was only a part of
came. out publicly in April 1995 on the " Dally’ week-long celebration ofNCOD
pages of The Advocate, the national gay ¯ A slghature advertisement featuring the
andlesbian newsmagazine. Bono said sh,.e~ .....names~ of people who support the NCOD
firstknewshewasalesbianwhenshesaw’ cause ran on October 11 in The Dallas
the love scene in the movie Personal Best.
She was 13. Bono credits her easy time
coming out to the many positive gay and
lesbian role models in the entertainment
community in which she grew up. She
¯ said that well-known entertainers like
¯ Elton John do a service to the community
¯ when they come out. Bono’s parents have
long known of Chastity’s orientation.
¯ "What she’s doing today-- taking the
¯ initiative-- makes me very proud ofher," ¯
Cher told The Advocate.
¯ Candace Gingrich initially came into
¯ the spotlight because of her brother. Soon
¯ after U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich became
Speaker of the House, Ms. Gingrich rec-
¯ ognized an opportunity to help. "I recog-
¯ uized that I had an opportunity and obli-
¯ gation to get involved in the movement
for gay and lesbian equality in a meaning-
" ful way," Candace Gingrich said.
Gingrich, 29, has been open about her
sexuality to her family and friends for
years. Her public coming out, however,
¯ came when, at the end of an interview, an
¯ Associate Press reporter asked ifGingrich
¯ was a lesbian. She said simply, ’.’Yes, I
am. Gmgnch to,d the fair-goers that she
¯ believes the majority of Americans are in
¯ favor of employment protection for lesbi-
¯ ans and gays, and she cited several statis-
: tics in support. "They know like we do
¯ that everyone in our country deserves the
¯ samerights under thelaw," Gingrich said.
: Gingrich said this gathering in Texas was
¯ thelargest group to which shehad spoken.
¯ She received a standing ovation at the end
, of her remarks.
¯ Morning News. Special church services
celebrating NCOD were also held this
: week. "Almost 50 percent of Americans
¯ claim they don’t know anyone who is gay
: or lesbian," Jim McBride, co-chair of
: NCOD in Dallas said. ’’This invisibility
¯ results from the fact that, counter to ste-
: reotypes, people who are gay, lesbian or
: bisexual are virtually indistinguishable
: from the rest of the population. National
: Coming Out Day demonstrates that we
¯ representall races, nationalities, religions,
: and economic and occupational catego-
¯ wood. At 12:15 in room 151of the North ¯
Hall, a panel of individuals will provide
¯ their perspectives on racism and hate
¯ crimes. This event is the final event in the ¯
Week Without ViolenCe, a Tulsa
¯ commeration of a national observance
¯ sponsored by the YWCA.
¯ The Say No to Hate Coalitton beganin ¯
1988 to oppose hate crimes, and racial,
: religious and sexual orientation bigotry.
¯ Last year, the Coalition sponsored an anti-
¯ hatemessage that was included in City of ¯
Tulsa utilities bills. Participating organi-
¯ zations include Tulsa Oklahomans for
¯ Human Rights (TOHR), Jewish Federa-
¯ tion of-Tulsa, Islamic Society of Tulsa,
¯ Tulsa Public School s, Tulsa Police Dept.
: and the Tulsa chapter of the American
: RedCross. FormerTOHRpresidentKelly
¯ Kirby is a co-chair of the Coaltion.
¯
Largentrefuses to supportENDA. How-
" ever, he does pledge explicitly not to fire
¯ someone based on her/his sexual orientatiOn.
This contrasts with the public post-
¯ tions of other members of the Oklahoma
¯ congressional delegation, many ofwhom
indicated that they would refuse to hire or
¯ wouldfire individualsbasedontheirsexual
¯ orientation. These views, which werefirst
; revealed by Tulsa World reporter Jim
¯ Myers, created a national scandal and
. resulted in a non-discrimination pledge
campaign bytheDC basedHuman Rights
Campaign Fund.
This coincides with TOHR’S regular
monthly meeting. TOHR will meet at
7pm to conduct its business. At 7:30, a
frank and opendiscussionis planned with
members and leaders of all community
orgamzations, businesses and individuals
invited to participate.
tional by the Colorado Supreme Court.
The case is of intense interest to fights
activists becausehow the courtrules could
determine the fate of similar measures
around the country to excludelesbians
and gays from civil rights protections
along with other minorities. Some believe
the increasingly conservative high court
may sustain Amendment 2, although initial
questioning by some justices indicated
serious constitutional concerns.
r~
FULL COUNT DISCOUNTS
ONALL NEW ’95 MODELS LEFT IN STOCK
’95 MIRAGE "S" ’95 DIAMANTE LS
Wi!h Dual Air
Baqs,
S0oe~ Gas
Mileage
And It’s Brand New
s9 498
’95 3000 .GT
Wilh 6-Disc CD
Changer. Power W~n.
(lows / LOCKS, Air
Luxury at It’s Finest. With Power Moonrool. Antilock
Brakes, Keyless Entry, Security System and More
List $36,734
NOW $28,888
Discounts over $7,800
List $29,918 --
NOW $24,988
List $29,916
NOW $24,988
’95 GALANT "S"
With Power Wmdows/t OCkS,
AmlFm Cas:)etle
Aulo. Cruise
Discounts over $4,600 NO MONEY DOWN!
s225., Mo.*
*MSRP S18.gfig. Sale price $17A21, $500, rehale Io reduce loan balance. 47 "
oaymeuts ol $225. a too, lasl pa yme,1 o S8962.08. or walk away, I0,000 miles
tre~ anaually 15C a mile Ihereafler.
665-6595, 46th & Memorial
FAMILY FINANCES
Annual Gifts Make
Economic Sense
Any Time of Year
by Leanne Gross
A smart way to,reduce the size of an
estate--as well as reduce potential federal
estate taxes--is to makelifetime gifts.
Andwhile annual exclusion gifts arebased
on calendar year totals and are typically
Metropolitan Community
Church of Greater Tulsa
Where God Uplifts All People
Sunday .Service, 10:45 am
Wednesday S6rvice, 6:30,pm
Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays
1,623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715
Cherry Street Psychotherapy
Associates
1 515 South Lewis
Are you looking for a relaxed,, amicable,
private atmosphere for therapy?
Our office provides a level of confidentiafity
and comfort that enhances the-therapeutic p~ocess.
For further information call 743-4117
Leah Hunt, MSW
Della Blackburn, CADC
Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC
Richard Reeder, MS
Serving a Diverse Community
¯ regarded as year-end tools, they actually
: make sourid economic sense any time of
: ~,tl~e4c.e.ar. ..
¯ "~ A donor may give up to $10,000 every
calendar year per recipient without incurring
any federal gift taxes. The annual
exclusionamountfor amarriedindividual
is $20,000, provided his or her spouse
consents to "gift splitting," a practice in
which one spouse agrees to let the other
use his or her annual exclusion.
Big tax savings can occur .when you
take advantage of the annual exclusionon
a consistent basis. For example: A 55-
year-old mangives $10,000 to each of his
two children until he:reaches his normal
life expectancy of 77 years. If,the aftertax
return on the gifts is 6 percent, the
combined projected value of the two gifts
in 22 years is nearly $920,000. Because
the two children own the investment, it is
not subject to federal estate taxes when
the father dies.
Ifthefatherdid notmake those gifts and
instead accumulated the cash inhis estate,
his estate would incur additional federal
estate taxes at the time of.his death. Assuming
amarginal estate tax bracket to 50
percent, the taxes on that accumulation
would be about $460,000--an amount
that could be saved and literally reinvested
with wise annual exclusion gifts.
¯ deniedare tax deductions, accidentai death
: payments, inheritance and burial rights,
¯ and business and land transfer benefits. In
¯ considering the issue, Dan Foley, thelaw-
" yet who is representing the three same-
: sex couples suing the state for legal mar-
. dages, told the commission that gays and
¯ lesbians have the right to these benefits
¯ justas heterosexualcouples do."Therights
¯¯ and benefits that are contingent onmarital status must be given to same-sex couples
." via marriage license, unless the state can
¯ demonstrate compelling state interestthat ¯
it be withdrawn," Foley told the commis-
¯
sion. But Steven Michaels; the state’S
¯ deputy attorney general, said most situations
thatinvolve denyingbenefits to same-
" sex couples can be resolved under exist-
" ing laws. "In Very many instances, butnot
¯ all instances, the differences in treatment
are quite small and could be resolved, for
¯" example, through the law of contracts, a
: probate and through other kinds of ar-
¯ rangements that are authorized under extmg
law, Michaels insisted. The com-
. nnssion is expected to haverecommenda-
." tions on the contentious issue for the state
¯ legislature by the end of this year.
Lesbian and Gay Alliance presented programs
onTuesday, Wednesday andThursday,
ranging from a panel of speakers
¯ from Parents, Familieg. and Friends of
¯ Lesbians and Gays to a discussion of
¯ Gays & Lesbians and the Church by Pastor
Horvath. "
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
Know Your Rights!
Eslate Planning, ¯
Adoptions,
Personal Injury,
Criminal Law, Bankruptcy
& Workers Compensation
1,800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
Y
ARIES, March 21 - ApPi120
Yournatural love ofhaste and recklessness
goes into overdrive now. You’re
quick tojump onwhatever, or whomever,
when your emotions dictate a leap. This
can be a fun month for "try anything"
Ariens;just keep a wee bit ofa grip so you
won’t end up with lots of regrets.
TAURUS, April 20 - May 21
You belong to a sign that’s famous for
sweet and accomodating behavior, but
this month, you’re likely to blow your
temper and your reputation, with it. It
seems thatyou’ ve been oppressedby great
and powerful forces, but envy is your real
enemy. Relax. You’re imagining things.
Really.
GEMINI, May 21 - June 22
You could always be described as a
"silver tongued devil," but your charm
goes off the meter now. You can sdl
anyone anything you like; you can sdl
yourself effectively too. The only problem
is, you’re temporarily more prone to
talk than action. Try not to bark unless you
intend to bite.
CANCER, June 22 - July 23
You’re not exactly, famous for high
self-esteem and rampant ego but you’re
nowhere near as inadequate as you think
you are: It seems like it would help to talk
about yourself and your needs with significant
others, but you won’t get the
response you want for another month.
Obsess over your work instead.
: If you re an athlete of any sort, yot~-]l
¯¯ have a winningmonth of graceful, physical
mastery. This is a great time for pota-
¯ toes to get off the couch andjoin in. Your
¯ parts work together better than usual, and
¯ the grandstand loves to watch. Want lots
: of strokes and attention? Here’s your
¯ chance.
¯ VIRGO, Aug. 23-Sept. 23
: A good month to putter around the
¯ house or cleanup theneighborhood. Your ¯
¯ car.e~taking side becomes hyperactive, and that s saying something for a confirmed
¯ world-saver like you. Any task that at- ¯
lows you to show your concern for others
¯ brings alot of satisfaction now. Go ahead
¯ and help; the rest of us need it..
: LIBRA, Sept. 23-00t. 23
¯ If you’re a typical Libran, you’ve been
-" worrying lately that you’ll never have
¯ enough money to buy all the pretty toys
¯ you know you deserve. This month, your
¯ financial concerns fade into the past as
: your social schedule heats up. Running
: around and working the crowd replaces
¯ checkbook agonies. Life gets fun again.
SCORPIO, Oct. 23-Nov. 23
You always make a bigger impression
-" than you realize and your birthday month
: is prime time for some drop dead
¯ Scorpionicglamour. Youhave a great and
valid need to express yourself on your
: own terms. Let the peasants mutter that
you’re sdf-involved’ if they must. It’s
¯ your rime to think "me first," so go for it.
Open Arms
Open Minds
Open Hearts
Saint Aidan’s
4045 No. Cincinnati, 425-7882
Saint John’s
4200 SO. Atlanta PI., 742-7381
Trinity
501 SO. Cincinnati. 582-4128
The Episcopal Church
Welcomes You
Sandra J Hill, M,S:
fsychother;py & Clinical
Consultation
Sensitive to the Challenges of
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual &
Transgendered Individuals,
Couples.& Families¯
2865 E. Skelly Drive, Ste. 215,745-1111
Zo,... SAGITTARIUS, Nov. 23-Dec. 22
¯ A bit competitive, are we? Not that
¯ you’re out to pick a fight, but you won’t
" back away from a battle if someone at-
: tacks you first. Your normally abundant
energy gets a power surge this month.
: You’ll either get a lot of work done or
; you’ll get a lot of speeding tickets. Better
¯ to focus and avoid fines.
: CAPRICORN, Dec. 22-Jan. 21
¯ People and their messy passions are ¯
often distasteful to you. But this month,
¯
you really want to check out when things
; heat up. This is an excellent rime to be
¯ alone as much as you can. If your work
drags you into the public eye, spend your
¯
off hours in a secluded place. Plan quietly
¯ for next month’s return to the fray.
: AQUARIUS, Jan. 21- Feb. 20
¯ If you have a mate, (s)he may consider ¯
shopping for a leash this month.-Your
~ ever present need for independence gets
¯ obsessive, and you’re just not very polite
¯ about telling people you need space and
: plenty of it. You’re hot, you’re cold; your
: temper is erratic. Try to remember that
¯ "love" is not synonymous with "prison."
¯ PISCES, Feb. 20 - March 21
You attract all sorts of favorable atten-
¯ tion at work; partly because you show
: your willingness to work with others,
¯ partly because you’re just so darned seri-
¯ ous. Your ability to express affection and ¯
sensuality is abit depleted now, but it’s a
~ good time to focus on career success.
¯ Love gets it’s kick start soon enough.
¯ MCC of the Living
Spring Calls Pastor
The Metropolitan Community Church
¯ of the Living has called the Reverend
KermieWohlenhouseto beits Pastor. Ms.
¯" Wohlenhaus cometo EurekaSprings from
¯ MCCof theRockies inDenver, Colorado. ¯
Ms. Wohlenhaus was licensed to preach
i at the Universal FellowshipofMetropoli-
¯ tanCommunity Churches (UFMCC) Gen-
: eral Conference this year. Raisedin Colo-
. rado, Ms. Wohleahaus is a graduate of
: Colorado Art Institute and received her
_" Master in Divinity fromlliff School of
¯ Theology. Shehas traveled the Southwest
MCC of the Living
Spring.=eelebrates
spiritual and
lifestyle diversity
: painting over 60 murals and had had one-
¯ woman shows in Colorado.
: Ms. Wohienhaus says, "my theology is
: Christian, with a sprinkling of New Age,
¯ Eastern Religion, Native American,
¯ Wimmin’S Spirituality, and 12 step re-
: covery. Her first Sunday was September3
¯ and her Installation as Pastor was Satur- ¯
day, September 16 and was followed by a
¯ reception.
¯ MCC of the Living Spring is a church
¯ that not only accepts but celebrates spiri- ¯ tual and lifestyle diversity. We welcome
¯ all Seekers, Pilgrims, and Advance Spir-
¯ its, Gay, Lesbian, Trans and Bisexuals,
¯ leather and drag to come and share with
¯ us. Everyone is welcome. For more infer-
¯ marion, Call 253-9337 to leave a message.
Your call will be returned promptly.
For a Taste ofLocal Flavor
Gay Owned & Operated
Serving Lunch: Noon to 3pm, .Dinner: 5 to 1 lpm, Closed Thurs.
t ealty, Inc.
’q’he Land Specialists"
EUREKA SPRINGS
501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings)
Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns, Victorian Homes,
Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses,
Quiet Country Estates, and much more.
McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG
community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a
listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around.
We specialize in creative financing.
Dinner & Theatre Combo at Fat Tuesdays
Fat Tuesdays, in the downstairs of the :
New Orleans Hotel is proud to announce ¯
the newest, "edgiest" theatrical romp to "
hit the Ozarks in a long time. Any Tues- ¯
day or Wednesday during the month of "
October come and dine from the magical ¯
menu created and
prepared by Chef
Charles Clark, re,
centl~ featured in
the June issue of
Ben Appetit. And
then see the Off-
Broadway smash,
Parall. el
Lives,written .by
Me Gaffney and
Kathy Najimy.
The showis performed
by three
women, Pamela
Jones, Janet Alexander,
and Poco
Carter, whoplay8-
10 characters each
in a series of skits
which, capture the
humor of humanity~
Each of these
actors brings extensive
experience
in theater and performance
to this
production.
SBased on Parhallel laves:oThe Kathy &~Me
t
:" THE PAMELa, =’
Parallel Lives is directed by Lewis
Routh, formerly of Eureka Springs, currenfly
the owner of the Orlando, Floridabased
Act Out Theatre. Routh recently
won that city,s prestigious entertainer Of
the year award for presenting pertinent
plays withGayand
Lesbian themes.
: VOCO
-. Routh. says
that this prodiJctien
h,,as b~n one
ofhis mostjoyfull
and rewarding
working experiences."
The dinner/
show package is
$30, with show-
.only tickets available
for $10.
Call FatTuesdays
for reservations,
Tuesday -
¯O t Sunday, 4 pm- "
:
Directed by Lewis Routh t
midnight: (501)
: ° Featuring...
:
2 5 3 - 8 2 6 4 .
¯ " ................................. ¯ Showtime is 9pro
~
: PametaJones. JanetAl~xander. PocoCa,er :
~
on Tuesday and
¯ "" ................................. " ¯ Wednesday.Afull
¯ ¯ bar is available.
¯ Benefit Fo,
-
~
¯ The Lane House The run of the
¯ Wednesday, October25 ¯ show may be ex-
¯ ¯ tended into No-
O0OOOO00OOOOOOOOOOOOOO. vember
Raven/Redhawk E~ nterpr!ses
i Schl
o=~yst~em
/are ,~
POB 429
¯ Phyl:Boler,Schmidt
Software Specialist
Eureka Springs 72632
The Annual Eureka Springs Gay Family Reunion was held on Sept. 10 at Beaver Dam
Site Park. Upper rightphoto: Charlotte & Ken, event organizers &state/local activists.
¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ eee ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ e ¯ ¯ e eo e_eeoeeeeoe ~e.eee eo eee
¯¯
Jerry A. Wilson
¯ A Friendly Place to Stay O
¯
¯
¯
¯
¯ .
¯
¯
¯
¯¯
96 Kings H~ghway ¯ Hwy. 62 W.
¯
KING’S
¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(501) 253-7311
1-800-231-1442
HI-WAY INN:
Hwy. 62 East
Eureka Springs,
Arkansas
501-253-6Q01
DAVE HAGER
RUTH GOODWIN-HAGER
S.U.A.E.
Open Through
Christmas
Adult Accommodations
In Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views
of the woods and wildlife -.Tucked on top of the
Ozark Mountains, just a few minutes walk to the
Historic Village of Eureka Springs.
501/253-8281
Frank Green Jr., Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
A UTHENTIC
ITALIAN
CUISINE
FRESH
RAINBOIV
TROUT
of Eureka Springs
Recomtnended by the New York Times
(501) 253.6807 5 Center Street
Closed F~ednesday Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Romantic, quiet & secluded
Family-owned & operated
Guest Cottage with
A Jacuzzi for two,
And private parking,
All only 1/2 block to downtown.
9 Benton Street
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
" 501.253.2204
,y
Review by Barry Hensley
Tulsa City-Co~nty Library
In our constantly changing world, social
graces continue to be redefined. Now
thatmany gay citizens are
morepublicly open about
their-lives and relationships,
some fine tuning is
necessary. "TheEssential
BookofGay Manners and
Etiquette" is subtitled "A
HandbookofProper Con-~
duct and Good Behavior
for the Gay Gendeman."
Don’t let that fool you;
this guide is definitelynot
stuffy. It is a practical
manual designed to include
homosexuals in the
everyday social interactions
of Americans.
There are six chapters:
1) THE ESSENTIALS, which includes
introductiOns (such as how to introduce
your ex tO your newboyfriend), Gay Time
(A.K.A. tardiness), and how to answer
someone who asks "Are you gay?"
2) FRIENDSHIP, COURTSHIP AND.
SEX covers "How toTumFirst Dates into
Second Dates" &"Neg0tiating Safe Sex."
3) COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS,
which goes from "Ceremonies of Commitment’"
to "When Baby Makes Three."
. 4) HOME LIFEincludes ntles of entertaining
and the proper ways to send letters
and invitations t9 couples.
: 5) FASHION AND THE MAN covers
¯¯ proper dress and good grooming.
6) AIDS: BEYOND MANNERS gives
". some logical guidance on taking the HIV
....subtitled
A Handbook of
Proper Conduct&
G.~i Behavior
for the Gay
Gentleman¯ Don’t
let that fool you;
tl~s guide is
definitely not
....
test and "What to Say
WhenaFriendTests Positive."
Included in each chapter
are sporadic quotes of
wisdom: "Rudeness is the
weak man’s imitation Of
strength" and "Politeness
is the art of choosing ~
among one’s real
thoughts" are two of the
best. Also covered are
some basic rules that everyone
should already
know, but many people
obviously don’t: "Don’t
interrupt a conversation
to introduce yourself,"
~ "Learnthe artofreciprocation" and "Don’ t
¯ make a date if you don’t intend to go
-." through with it." While these are often
¯ used in straight society, there are other
." rules,more specifictogay situations, such
¯ as"Showingaffecrionpubliclyis thesame ¯
for.gays as it is for straights."
¯ Although it is obvious that the authors
¯ live On the coasts, gays inmiddleAmerica
¯ will also find this to be a logical, helpful ¯ guide. Check for this rifle, and others of
¯ similar interest, in the Readers Services
¯ department of the Central Library, 2nd ¯
floor, or call 596-7966.
Brian Jackson & Claudette Peterson recognize
top walkers at AIDS Walk ’95.
Divas Fallon Scott & Monica Munro
graced the Silver Star Saloon on Sept. 24.
Photos, JD damett, 621-5597
Localactivist&Stonewall veteran, Jimmy
Flowers, with Pride sign - AIDS Walk "95
The Rev. Nancy Horvath, spouse Barb
Zeller-Horvath and son, Zach after
Horvath’sinstallation aspastor ofFamily
ofFaithMetropolitan Community Church.
Dine
.Out Pizz&ria & Espresso
1344 e. 15th 582°3456
Alaska
June 26 - July 3, 1996
Magnificent
Mediterranean
July 28 - Aug. 4, 1996
Grand
Caribbean
April 8-15, 1996
Sonora Bay
Oct. 5~12, 1996
Ca//
International Tours
9/8-34/-6866
How To Do It
First 30 words are $10, Each
additional word is 25 cents.
You may bring addihonal
attention to your ad with:
Bold Headline - $1
Ad in capital letters - $1
Adin bold capital letters - $2
Ad in box- g2
Ad reversed- $3
Tear sheet mailed - $2
Blind Post Office Box - $5
Please type or print your ad.
Count the number of words.
(A word for our purposes is a
group of letters or numbers
separated by a space.)
Send your ad & payment to
POD 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159
with your name, complete
address, day & evening
phone numbers (for our
records only). :
Ads will run in the next issue
after they are received~
Tulsa Family News reserves
the right to edit or refuse any
ad. No refunds will be made.
CIVIL RIGHTS HELP?~
American CiviF,~.’l~ties
Union of Oklahoma
600NW 23rd, Suite 104
OKC 73106, 405-524-8511
HIV+ Singles Publication
Safe & confidential. Free copy,
36 word personal ad, voice
mail,.and mail forwarding!
Local and nationwide! All
lifestyles. Gay, HIV+ owned &
operated. Write: Intropoz+
Magazine, 564 Mission St.
Box 415, San Francisco, CA
94105, or call 1-800-820-2948
Cards by 10%
Productions
Available
exclusively at
Tomfoolery!
Tulsa’s best
Lesbian & Gay
Gift Store
Noon - 6 pm
Saturdays at
Family of Faith
54th & Mingo
Info: 918-583-1248
(card packs
available by mail)
THAT PHONE!
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
To respond to these
ads & browse others
Call: 1-900-786-4865
2)’To record your FREE
Tulsa Family Personal ad
Call: 1-800-546-MENN
(We’ll print it here)
To pick-up messages
from your existing ad
Call: the 900 number &
Press the Star key (,)
Due to our larae volume of calls,
if you can’t ge~ thru, simply try
your call later.
900 blocked,e TW 1-800-863-9200.
VISA/MC.
Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183
BI BI BLUES: BiCurious WM, 27, 175,
6’, attractive, seeks other attractive males,
20-30, who are patient and
understanding. Must be drug/disease
~ree. Please leave a message. =13020
FUN IN THE CORRAL: GWM, 31,
brown hair, hazel eyes, ’stoche, 5’6",
165, seeks companionship of mature
GWM, 23-40, who are aggressive,
masculine and gentle. Furry cowboys a
plus. Call me! =13859
Recording your ad:
Figure out what you wantto say
before calling in. Write down what
¢ou want_t0 say. Keep it short and
simple. Just describe yourself and
what you’re looking for. Our
computerized system will walk you
through the rest, Have a pen ready to
write down your box nUmber.
Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?:
new to area, not into bars, Dave, 20 6~
185 brn/red/hzl, goatee, eyebrow
earring, love volleyball, good music, good
food great conversation, meditate,
spiritual, give me a call- =9385
Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140,
trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and
honest person, like this in a person, g~ve
me a call- =9464
Ada HOMO ALONE IN.ADA: I’m 6’3,
bin/bin, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25
fo~r good times, call me. =10271
Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m
20 y/o, 5’6, 2151bs, WM. I’m Ikg4 a
relationship minded man 18-30’s with a
medium to slim build. I like singing,
bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If you
are inter6s~:~d, please call me. =47265
Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7",
well built, looking far GLM/GWM far hot
fun in the sun. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Leave me a message and let’s get together
soon. =10596
Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS:
GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very
versatile, seeks new friends in the area for
fun and friendship with relationship
possibilities. Legs get ~gether and
celebrate life. =6571
Oklahoma City SHOOT THE
BREEZE: GWM, 22, brown
hair/eyes, 5’6", seeks fun and
relationsh ip oriented GWM’s under
30. Smoker/Light Drinker OK. Must
be disease/drug free =11041.
Tulsa GAY OR Bh AI, 32, very masc
pmf’l, GBM iso Gayor bi male, masc,
race not Impt, into sports, outdoors, if u
like Iv a message thanks! = 7580
Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM,
iso other Gay or bi male, 30s- 40s, in the
area, let’s play! = 7392
Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 2! BM,
kinda looking for sameane to love, tired of
being by myself, love to sing, read, like to
go to the movies, have fun, love all types
of music, if this interests you give me a
call- = 7435
Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM,
mid 40s isa BIWM 30-40, he/we prop,
very discreet, expect same, like ~hare
some time, if you are interested, give me a
call, VII return all calls- = 7822
Tulsa NL~/TO AREA: Mike, new to the
area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out
aloe, phys fit, Ikg for a str to BI BM 35-65
to have a good time with, go out with give
me a call- = 7842
Eastern AR CUDDLE BY1HE FIRE: Ja&,
GWM, 37, ~. bm/kx,, mus~d~e, ~ymasc, ~r
ap~earing/ading, iso frlends puss rd in the
c~a, like all n~sic, dining, ’~ealer, ~ng bye
mea~l-=7873
Walton t&ARRIED OR Bh Rodney,
married WM 25 5’5, 1,50, attr, Ikg for
25-35 married or bi male, far friendship
pass rel, inexperienced and want
someone to learn with honesty and
discretion req’d- = 8671
Oklahoma NATIVE: I’m a Native
American Indian. I’m a big guy with a big
heart. I’m 25 y/o and !’m Ikg4 a
companion and a friend. I’m a virgin, are
you the one? red heads a+ =4701
Tulsa HL~ NOW: my name is Steven.
I’m31 y/o~and I’m Ikg4guy’s 18-50 [or
fishing, swimming and camping. I enjoy
the company of slightly aggressive men.
=5354
Lawton COLLEGE STUDENT:
Jamar, student like reading,
writing, creative things, like to
go out, like Hispanic men, 19-20,
Caucasian men 19-26, work and
go to school now, like-to meet
some new people like to get to
know you- =5703
Tulsa TAK£ ME OUT IN TULSA: D0n,WM
for a str ~\, to have a goed 5me out in Tulsa.
g~ me a call. =5974
Tulsa DAVID, 19, 6’6, 275 bind/blue
looking to meet in the area, interested in
lots of things, give me a call. =6009
Henrietta ONE ON ONE: Jack, GWM
42 5’10 220, looking far someone down
to earth, looking for a rel, like outclears,
football, bball on 1V, Ikg far an avg.
down to earth guy who wants a one on
one- =6274
Tulsa LONELY AND LOOKING,.Wm,
50, 5’8, 165, slim and trim, into BB, have
a solid body, tan, looking far a person in
the area, that’s slim and trim male under
50for a friend, to go out with and see
where things go. Hope you can call!
=2082
! -800-326-MEET
i-900-786,4865
DON’TFORGET!
Men of the Southwest
Two Dynamite Male Dancers Every Thursday NOCOVER
Friday & Saturaav Dance Party
Dance and~weat with DJ’David Dees $’~ Cover
R0bbie Walker & The Sunday Slam
Oomonique Daniels, Paris~Grey, Kds K~, Ivono B, Real, M~chelle
Voted the #1~owin Tul~a and Norlhe~stem Ok~homa
EverySunday 11p.m. $2 Cover
~4 Beer Bust 8~ Special Shots
9. I Every Thurs., Fri., andSun.
9.2 v 3340S, Peoria Tulsa ~’ 918-744.0896
SALOON
Shanti Benefit, Fri, Oct. 20
Green Country Cloggers
9pm $3 cover
3rd Annual Boo Bash
Sat. Oct. 28, hosted by
Carmella Marcella Garcia
Benefitting RAIN, $5 cover
Buffet, Door Prizes, Raffle & Costume Contest
Saturday, November 4th
Mr. Oklahoma Leather Contest
Male Dancers, every Thur. & Sun.
834-~4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am
4pm till 2pm, seven days a week
Casey from Dallas Dancing, Fri. Oct. 27
2nd Annual~Halloween Bash & Show
Sat. Oct. 28 - No Cover!
Open 2pro M-F, from Noon, Sat/Sun
1229 S. Memorial, 835-5083
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
newspaper
periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[1995] Tulsa Family News, October 15-November 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 11
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities.
Description
An account of the resource
Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9).
The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level.
This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Family News
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Tom Neil
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
October 15-November 14, 1995
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Kharma Amos
Laurie Cooper
Shelly Roberts
JD Jamett
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Tom Neil/Tulsa Family News
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
PDF
Online text
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
newspaper
periodical
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/503
Relation
A related resource
Tulsa Family News, September 15-October 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 10
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
'Celluloid Closet'
1995
AIDs Walk
AIDS/HIV
AIDS/HIV drugs
AIDS/HIV education
AIDS/HIV research
anti-bias law
arts and entertainment
attorneys
Barry Hensley
Bars
businesses
censorship
Census
churches
custody
Dave Fleischer
divorce
Domestic Partnership
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Donna Redwing
employment discrimination
estate planning
Eureka Springs
Family Finances
gay politicians
gay teachers
homophobia
Interfaith AIDS Ministries
letters to the editor
LGBT history
marriage
medical abuse
medical malpractice
Metropolitan Community Church of the Living
National Coming Out Day
needle exchange
Nick Steele
Oklahoma Educational Associatin (OEA)
partner certificate
performing arts
personals
PFLAG
protests
rape
Read All About It
Red Cross
Red Ribbon Treefest
representation
restaurants
Say No To Hate Coalition
sexual assault
Shocking Gray
sodomy laws
Steve Largent
Steven Petrow
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing
Tulsa Public Schools
United States House of Representatives
viatication
visitation rights
war
World Conference on Women
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/cad0a227df418d824c0a725b9ad6eeb7.jpg
8fe36b0f2e6d0aaeb169422a1fe38536
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/61bd2074c80e5a411c0e996a547aadaa.pdf
ac7abe1d33b993bca233b903f8e5848d
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Text
Any textual data included in the document
THE NAMES PROJECT
Quilt Tours Black Colleges
Coretta Scott King Slams Homophobia
ATLANTA (AP) - During the AIDS Quilt tour of
historically Black colleges and universities, Coretta
Scott King told those viewing the memorial that
homophobiahas prolonged and worsened the epidemic
within the Black community.
"It is particularly sad tome when I hear Black people,
includiug some in leadership positions, making
homophobic comments and attacking t.he humm] rights
of Gay and Lesbian people," the widow of die Rev.
Martin Luther King Jr. said Monday during the tour’s
opening ceremonies at Clark Atlanta University,
Regardless of sexual orientation or gender, Blacks
have a signiticantly higher risk of becoming infected
with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Stati-stics show
ntost new HIV infections occur among people 25 and
younger. The Black community has been hit particularly
hard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Blacks account for about half the new HIV
infections, AIDS cases and AIDS deaths, though they
represent only 13% of the U.S. population,
"With the stigma on homosexual behavior mthe
African-American coxmnunit~¢, ¯ see Ki.,t~, ~9.: 15
Matthew Shepard
Murder Trial Update
LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Gay college student Matthew
Shepardwas pumaneled to deathby Aaron McKirmey in
a drunken, drug-induced rage after Shepard made a pass
at him, McKirmey’s attorney Said as: his trial began.
"’Did Matthew Shepard deserve to die? No, that’s
ridiculous-. No manslaughter victim deserved to die,"
Jason Tangeman said in opening statements. "That’s
what Aaron McKirmey is guilty of, manslaughter."
The roofer’s judgment that night Vas affected bv
alcohol, methamphetamines and "~ome sexuall}
traumatic and confusing events in his life," Tangeman
told jurors.
Prosecutor Cal Rerncha said his case against
McKinney will not deal with Shepard’s Gayness. "It
will simply be about the pain, suffering and death of
Matthew Shepard at the hands of the defendant, Aaron
James:McKimaey," he said." The Human Rights
Campaign, a national Gay civil rights organization
strongly condenmed the use of the.’’blame the victim"
defense in the trial.
Shepard, McKinney and Henderson met in a Laramie
bar about a year ago, where Shepard asked McKinney
for a ride home, humiliating him in front of friends
because McKinney believed Shepard was Gay,
Tangeman contended. Tangeman said McKinney, 22,
was confused by three homosexual encounters that
occurred when he was 7, 15 and 20: In one case,
McKinney was forced into an oral sex act with a
neighborhood bully, Tangeman said.
Rerucha said McKirmey and Henderson drove
Shepard, 21, to a remote area, where they robbed, lashed
him to.the fence and pistol-whippinghim into a coma.
Opening statements were made after ajury of 10 men
and:six women, including four alternates, was seated in
McKinney’s trial on charges of first-degree murder,
kidnapping androbbery. Thejury includes three students
at the University of Wyoming, where Shepard was a
freshman. McKinney could receive the.death penalty.
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
Tulsa’s Largest Circulation Community PaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
World AIDS Day
Memorial Service at Historic Mt. Zion
Baptist Church Dedicated to the
Memory of HIV/AIDS Activist Phil Wiley
TULSA - The 10th annual World AIDS Day Candlelight March
and Memorial Service will be held at one of Tulsa’s most
historical traditionally African-American churches, Mt. Zion
Baptist Church, led b~ the Rev. Calvin McCutcheon. The march
will begin gathering at 6:30 near St. Monica’s Churchjust south
of Carver School east of Greenwood Avenue This is just south
of Pine.
The march will begin about 7pm and will continue about a mile
south on Greenwood to John ttope Franklin Bottlevard which
travels west through the Oklahoma State University at Tulsa
campus to Elgin. Mt. Zion is on FJ~n just across the OSU-Tulsa
parking lots near 1-244.
The theme for the march and memorial is "Fa~d the Silence"
and the service will feature the music of Ernestine Dillard, the
Council Oak Mens Chorale and the Mr. Zion church choir. Tiffs
Tulsa service is dedicated to the memory of 1o"cal ttIV AIDS and
Gay civil rights activist Phil Wiley who died of kidney failure last
summer.
Orgamzers note that all tilnes are approximate aud that lhey
will provide candles and matches but encourage marchers to
bring banners and bells to nng on the march.
For more information, call Interfaith ..\ IDS Mira stries at 438-
2437.
Also on World AIDS Day, an organization called "\Vc The
Peopl.e Li.ving .with AIDS/HIV’" will join with thousm~ds of other
orgmuzatlons m remembering, fiercel3, those the~ lmvc !ost to
the AIDS epidemic.
They will do this through the posting of the manes of their
members, friends and loved ones lost to ,A IDS on the. \ IDS \Vatch
webpage, which will display the .,aan]es of tens of thousands of
people who have died from :kIDS. one at a mnc in the 48 honrs
before and after December ist.
They request that readers consider adding the uames of those
whom they have lost to AIDS to the list. The page is localed m
http:/iwww.aidswatch.org. Click on "’Add a name "’ to include the
name, of~v°ur loved one, friend or colleague to the li st.
Community Center News
All Community Meeting, Nov. 16, 6:30pm
TOHR Meeting, 11/9: Carol Petersen,
Author, Poet + Gay Man in Hitler’s Navy
TULSA - The third all community meeting will be held at the
Communiiy Center on Tues., Nov. 16th at 6:30pm. About 35
individuals attended the last meeting in Sept. and the
representatives of a number of organizations, churches and
businesses decided to convene a community council with TOHR,
Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights, the parent organization of
the Tulsa Gay Community Services Center, coordinating the
exchange of information.
Local attorney and original meeting co-convener Dennis Neill
will present a draft contract to clarify the relationship between the
various groups. For more information about the next conmaunitv
meeting, call the Community Center at 743-4297.
On Tues. Nov. 9th at 7:30pro, TOHR will hold its montlflv
membership meeting. The meeting, which is open to the publiC,
will feature remarks by Carol Petersen, a Romanian born poet,
biographer and educator. Petersen, a Gay man.~ even found
lfimself serving in the German Navy during the N~i government
of Adolf Hitler.
Petersen has-published works on Albert Camus, Andre Gide,
John Steinbeck, Goethe, Spanish poet Lorca, Thomas Mann as
wall as works of poetry. He has taught French and German
literature and awarded one of the highest honors in France, the
Chevalier de L’oi’dre des Palmiers Academique de France.
Other News: House of the Holy Spirit Calls Pastor
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries announces that they have
selected a new full-time pastor, Chuck Breckenridge.
Breckenridge served in a pastoral capacity in a Wichita
congregation where he formerly resided. Breckenridge is also
known for having published and edited The Parachute, a now
defunct regional publication. He also started The Triangle Of
which he has recently served as general manager. Breckenridge
was installed as pastor on October 17th. Troy McGoveran,
spokesman for House of the Holy Spirit notes, "the entire
congregation is very excited about the movement going on in our
church.., we.. welcome Pastor Breckemidge to our church.. ?’
Falwell MeetsWith Gays
LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP)-The Rev. Jerry Falwell,
who has denounced homosexuals for years, held an
.unprecedentedmeeting with GayChristians recently
m an attempt to reduce violent acts against Gays
and Christians. Both sides said the gathering was
productive.
Dozens of anti-Gay protesters denmnstrated
outside, yelling at Gay supporters as they entered
the church parking lot. The Rex’. Fred Phelps of
Topeka, Kan.. whose congregafiou also taunted
Gays at the funeral of slain Gay college studcm
Matthew Shepard. said Falwdl is a hypocrite for
ineeting with the Rev. Mel White, a Gay minister
and his followers.
"Falwell used to teach the Bible word for word.
now he’s going off and meeting with these fags and
going against everything he’s ever taught," Phelp,~
said. "He always says ’hate the sin. bnt love the
simmr,’ but it’s ~mpossible to separate the t~o
Does ajudge send the crime or the crintinal tojail’?"
Falwell. who has long believed lha~
homosexuality is a sin, insists he will not change
Iris views, but has agreed to tone down tfis anti
language that Gay civil rights activists
encourages hatred and violence towar~t
homosexuals.
"’We are here because ihnocent people ol vari~
faiths, racial and ethnic groups and sexual
preferences have increasingly had their live~
abruptly mid violently ended by people ~vilh
opposing vie~\s.’" Fah~ell told th~ group of 4
delegates in ~velcomiug then] to the anti "~ml,,ncc
fortun Saturday afternoou
x~q]itc brought 200 Gays mid Lesbians l’rom 3~*
slates to p~ticil)atc in the forum. They were ]t)]ncd
by 2~)evm~gelic~d Chnsfians who supjmrt Fid~ cEstmacc
"q hi s is the first step iu ourjoume3 tm~ auct~
reconciliation." s~d White, who held a pra3 e~ ~ ~gil
Ffida3 mght for 20 Gay men or gm~sgcndcred
people killed because of their sexu~ oneutation.
see Fahvell, p. 10
France OK’s Gay and
Non-Gay Partnerships
The British Broadcasting System (BBC) reported
in October that the French Parlimnent has approved
a controversial bill that gives Gay couples mare of
the rights enjoyed by married people. The NatiOnal
Assmnbly passed the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS)
by 315 votes to 249.
The PACS allows unmarried couples to register
their umon and enjoy some of the tax, legal and
social welfare benefits associated with marriage. It
is intended to allow Gay and heterosexual couples
who are not married to "’organise their common
life". Partners who want to separate will be able to
do so via a letter of separation. According to Justice
Minister Elisabeth Guigou, the bill will improve
the lives of more than five million people.
Conservative opponents immediately said they
would ask the Constitutional Council to role whether
the law was unconstitutional. Religious leaders
have strongly denounced the law, saying it enables
a form of homosexual marriage.
The PACS wasintroduced by the riding socialists
and the government’s majority made approval
virtually certain. It has been one of themostbitterlycontested
pieces of social legislation for years,
opposed by conservatives and by leaders of the
Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths in France.
see France, p. 15
LI~ DIRECTORY P. 2
EDITORIAL P. 3 ~I~ US & WORLD NEWS P. 4
. HEALTH NEWS P. 6
~ ENTERTAINMENT P. 8 COMMUNITY CALENDAR P. 9
READ ALL ABOUT IT P. 10 Z DO-IT-YOUR-SELF DYKE P. 11
DYKE PSYCHE P. 12
mmm GAY STUDIES
P. 13
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine
*Boston Willy’s Diner, 1742 S. Boston
*Empire Bar, 1516 S: Peoria
*Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House; 3509 S. Peoria
*Jason’s Deli, 15th & Peoria
*The Mix, 2630 E. 15th
*Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
832-1269
592-2143
599-9512
583-6666
749-4511
59%7777
749-1563
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular 747-1508
*Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700
L:m Daniel. Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
" ~_~eco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
*Devena’s Gallery, 13 Brady 587-2611
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S Peoria 744-5556
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503
*Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712,-9379
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Mai~’ 592-0460
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria 744-9595
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1. 610-0880
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E 21st 742-1460
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 459-9349
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440
*Sandra J. Hill, MS. Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skellv 745-1111
*International Tours 341-6866
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 712-2750
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018
David Kanskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 747-~-!-66
*Living ArtSpace, 19 E. Brad3,’ 585-1234
*Midtown Theater. 319 E. 3rd 584-3112
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664-2951
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626
*Peace Of Mind Bookstore, 1401 E. 15 583-1090
The Pride Store. 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor 743-4297
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101 747-5932
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921, 747-4746
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-7829
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 48t-0558
*Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733
*W~hittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
*B/L/G/T Alliance. Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
*Church ofthe Restoration UU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314
*Community ofHope United Methodist, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Coundl Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Dela}vare Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 7!2-t511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity!Integrity of Tulsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free Spirit Women’s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lamont
Lindstrom, Bob Rounsavell, Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers
Member of The Associated Press
Issued on Or before the 1st of each month, the entire contents
of this publication are protected by US copyright 1998 by
To],~ ~:~ Now4 and may not be reproduced either in
whole orin partwithoutwritten permission from the publisher.
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s
sexual orientataon. Correspondence is assumed to be for
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes
the sole property of Tofl-~ .~,~.’. N~- Eachreader
is entitled to 4 copies of each edit!on at distribution
points. Additional cop~es are available by calling 583-1248.
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
*HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
*Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st 481-1111
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378
*House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437
*MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
*OSU-TUlsa
PFI~AG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
*R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325
O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincim~ati 425-7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140
*St. Jerome’s Parish Church. 205 W. King 582-3088
*Tulsa Area United Wa3,, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men), [udiat~ Health C0a’_¢- _582-7225
Tulsa County Health Department. 4616 E. 15 595-4105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, cio The Pride Center 743-4297
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center. 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE
*Barflesville Public Library, 600 S. Johi~stone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
*Borders Books &Music, 3209NWExpressway 405-848-2667
*Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
*Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
*Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900
*Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autunm Breeze Restaurant, Hwv. 23
*Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Ma]n
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’s, Hwy; 62 East
White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
*Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
501-253-7734
501~253-7457
501-253-6807
501-253-5445
501-253-9337
501-253-2776
501-253-5332
501-624-6646
501-253-6001
501-253-4074
417-623-4696
* is where you can find TFN. Not all are Gay-owned but all are Gay-friendly.
Audra Sommers:
To All .My Friends
Tiff s ruessage brings to youinformation
about my up-coming benefit called
’~onnecting The Hearts of Tulsa" Friday
November 5th, at 10:30 p.m. at the Silver
Star. This eventfocuses onthe Prescription
Assistance Program which as youknow is
very, very important to many.
As a community of caring individuals I
ask all ofyou once again to come together
as compassionate and sympathetic
members of our community and show
your support. Without fai! every year, you
pull out all the stops and arrive in droves.
My heart shines with delight to see all of
your faces as we raise the much needed
money to keep those who can’t afford the
necessary medications alive and well.
Come, meet new people and see some
new faces. Uniting together_we make the
difference.
Please join all my guests:
Miss Gay America
- Catia Lee Love
Miss Gay Oklahoma America
- Bridgett Lee
Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA
- Kris Kohl
Miss Fish-Lake Nevada
- Slutisha Swamppussy
Miss Midwestern Plains USofA
- Victoria Turrell
Miss Tulsa USofA 1998
- Jasmine Turrell
Miss Gay University Of Tulsa
Homecoming Queen 1999
- Audriana Sommers
The Green Country Cloggers
Miss Silver Star USofA 1996
- Tera "T" Neil
Miss Gay Oklahoma At Large USofA 96
- Domonique Daniel’s
Miss Feticia Winters
Miss Ebony Hall
Miss Tabatha Taylor
Miss Gain A Pound
Miss Miranda McMillian
Miss Tore McMillian
Miss Audra Sommers
and her special "Grab Bag Segment"
Mr. Steve Sludder
And Mr. Brock Masters - video star
along with many, maaay others.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the
StarFriday NovemberSthat 10:30p.m. It
is going to be the best show ever!
With love and respect,
- Audra Marie Sommers
Announcements Policy
Tulsa Family News will provide space
for holy union ceremony, marriage
ceremony, birth, adoption and death
announcements on a space available basis.
Photos are welcome, though we cannot
promise placement or return them, so
please send copies to Tulsa Family News,
POB 4140, Tulsa 74159.
Letters Policy
Tulsa Family Newswelcomes letters
on issues which we’ve covered or on
issues you think need to be considered.
You may request that your name be withheld
but letters must be signed & have
phone numbers, or behand delivered. 200
word letters are preferred. Letters to other
publications will be re-printed as is
appropriate.
Editorial: Singing Those Millennium March Blues
To March or Not March?
That is the question - ok, ok, yes that’s tired and
perhaps, even trite but I couldn’t help it. The millennium
does indeed approach and with it, the next great Gay
march scheduled for next April.
Called by Robin Tyler, Lesbian event organizer par
excellence, taken up by the Gay community’s
organizational 800 pound gorillas, the Metropolitan
Community Church (MCC) and the Human Rights
Campaign(HRC), the Millennium Marchhas beenfraught
with controversy from its beginning.
No one doubts that these events are tremendously
ehapowering for those ofus who attend. I can attest to that
from my experience.at the last march. My long-suffering
ex (just ask him ;-) and I organized a group mostly of
students and others on limited incomes from Texas to
travel bybus to DC. Since this was a budget trip we stayed
about 12 to a room, 3 or 4 to a bed with some on the floor
of a hotel in the Virginia suburbs.
But the moment ofmy epiphany was when weboarded
the Metro (subway) at the 2nd to the last stop that far out
into the suburbs, and everyone waiting, and everyone on
the train but for perhaps one or two per car, w,as Gay, or
Lesbian, or Bi, ornon-Gays whomwe’ddearly welcomed
into our tribe.
For once tobe safe, for once to be inOUR space is a rare
and precious thing. There we could hold hands in the
street without the fear that we Were taking our !ives
literally in our hands. For once, we could say that we
don’t mind "straights" as long as they "behave"
themselves.
Formany this was alife transforming experience¯ From
it, they came back and became active in the organizations
of their hometowns. This clearly is go6~l:
And yet, some questions remain. First of these i.s
whether, this march will even come off at all. Because
MCC and HRC proclaimed that a march was going to
happened before they consulted the many other
organizations which make up the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgendered civil fights and cultural movement,
the March was immediately caught up in controversy.
This "movement" is-tremendously diverse and building
consensus is long hard work. Prior march organizers did
do so through long and sometimes painful (I write this
Do you know where a number of Tulsans have been
during the last 18 months? Buried in trash. We studied
different curbside recycling programs from around the
state and from across the country. About 100 cities were
looked atby theTAREboard’ s subcommittee onrecycling.
Ourmost important discovery: each community is unique
in its requirements for recycling.
In Tulsa, most of the trash we generate is incinerated at
the trash-to-energy plant. The burning process results in
waste by-products that can mad do pollute our air. For
example, some substances like plastic can be harmful
when burned. Recycling will take them out of the trash
collection burned at the Walker Hall recovery plant. The
more Tulsa recycles, the more we improve Tulsa’s air
quality for our young, our elderly, and most significantly,
our chronically ill. And let us not forget that we are
breathing the same air.
Recycling does not ouly helpinmaking the environment
cleaner and healflfier; it also has economic benefits other
than quality of life. Once Tulsa citizens recycle enough
items that can be reused, a recycling industry will be
created an become a viable part of the economy with
added job opportunities,
In the beginning, Tulsans, will be able to recycle four
types of items. Newspapers, includin°g the slick
advertisement sections, compose the first recycling
category. Now you cannotrecyclemagazines and business
forms; these are another category which may be added at
a later date. However, you can still take them to MET
recycling centers.
The second category acceptable for recycling in Tulsa
will be aluminum. Drop all aluminum beverage cans inj
the recycling container; however, you cannot recycle
other forms of aluminum. Please rinse them immediately
after use. Remember that recycling pick up is every other
: from serving as a representative) meetings.
¯ And according to the Nov. 9th i°ssue of The Advocate,
¯ control of the event has _been shifted from Robin Tyler to
~ Malcolm Lazin, interim executive director. Kerry Lobel,
executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task
Force (NGLTF), earlier resigned from an oversight board
for the March because of concerns about event
"...the moment of my epiphany was
when we boarded the Metro (subway) at
the gnd to the last stop that far out into
the suburbs, and everyone waltln~, and
everyone on the train but for perhaps one
or two per ear, was
Gay, or Lesl~ian, or Bi, or non-Gays whom
we’d el rly we6om l into our tdl . "
organization and raised the question of whether the event
would need to be rescheduled or dropped.
But another question to ask is this: is this the best use
ofour communities’ resources? NGLTFhas been arguing
that we, as a movement, should be putting more of our
energies into local and state efforts at change. This
doesn’tmean abandoning federal level efforts but working
harder locally.
In Oklahoma, we’ve started to see some results from
just such efforts; the Cimarron Alliance has substantially
changed somelegislative attitudes in theOklahomaHouse.
FundingforHIV/AIDS care andprevenfionhas benefited
from lobbying by Tulsan Steve Eberle. These things
would not have happened unless some Oklahomans
decided to invest in local efforts.
According to Kelly Kirby, former Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights (TOHR) president, longtime activist
and current Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and
Gays (PFLAG) board member, at least 40-50 Tulsans
stopped by a reception Marty Newman gave at the last
march. And likely there were some from the city who did
not attend.
So I have to ask, as another former TOHR president
who begged for money for that organization and for the
community center, what would happen if some of those
week. Besides, you will make it so much easier for those
separating our recyclables.
Plastic is one of the most important things to recycle.
As petroleum-based products, these items release toxins
when burned. You can recycle all plastic beverage bottles
including mostpop, milk, and water containers, as well as
soap and detergent bottles. Rinse our the container to
prepare these items for recycling and dispose of the lids.
It is easy to remember which plastic items are acceptable.
Look for the number "1 "or "2" inside the little triangle on
the bottom of the container.
.The final or fotu:th category for Tulsa’s new recycling
program is glass. Both clear and colored glass bottles and
jars will be accepted. Nounbroken glass will be taken, nor
will the program accept other housewares or plate glass
from windows. Since the glass before putting out for
collection and discard the lid. Because of the once-everytwo-
weeks collection, you may want to rinse after use, if
it contains food.
Curbside recycling is a great addition to Tulsa’s solid
waste disposal program. Now it is up to us to make it
succeed. Begin sign up for this new service. Just call the
Mayor’s Action Center at 596-2100 and tell them that you
wish to sign up for curbside recycling. It is scheduled to
start on Nov. 1st. The cost is only $2/month; it will be
added to your city utility bill. Recycled items will be
collected twice a month on an every other week basis.
Before the program begins, you will be informed about
your curbside pickup days.
You can also sign up by clicking on www
cityoftulsa.org/recycle or www.tulsarecycles.com.
Remember this program can succeed only ifenough ofus
participate. So sign on now!
Bob D. Rounsavell is a freelance Tulsa writer who
specializes in environmental education.
dollars did stay here in Oklahomainstead of adding to the
profits of American Airlines, or United, or Marriott or
Hilton?
Let’s guess that many of those 50 attending spent about
$500 to $1000 for their visit. A few who traveled as I did
with my student group perhaps spent as little as $200-
300¯ One might argue that an average expenditure might
be about $600 for a total of $30,000. But on the other
hand, $30k would pay the current rent on the Community
Center for almost two years !
Now that other TOHR ex-president argues that while
many in our community are willing to spend that money
on whatis in essence an extraQueer vacation, he feels that
few would be willing to mm around and invest that
amount into our community if there’s no immediate gain
for themselves. And sadly, I would like to argue with him
but as a community organizer, I can’t - because I’ve seen
that what he claims is mostly true. What if we did value
our rights and invested in our communities as much as we
did our fabulous vacations, great clothes, stylish homes
and cars?Whatcould we accomplish then? After all, ifwe
don’t take care of ourselves, who is going to? "Straight"
people? - Tom Neal
PS: those of you who’ve already got this message,
thanks! Keep up the good work and drag a friend along.
Tom Neal, publisher & editor ofTulsa Family News,
helped tofound and direct the Coalition of Lesbian/Gay
Student Groups and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation, Dallas Chapter andhelped iofoundGLAAD
National. He also served as co-chair ofthe University of
Oklahoma Gay & Lesbian Association, and helped to
found the Rice University Gay Alumni group as well as
serving on Tulsa’s Pride committeefor several years.
On Nov. 9th, Tulsans will have the opportunity to vote
on a $109 million bond package to invest in the needs of
Tulsa Public Schools and the children of the district. The
Citizens Bond Development Committee has identified
more than $600 million in building, facilities, teaching
materials and transportation needs for the District in a
comprehensive, strategic plan that covers 20 years. The
bond issue to be presented to voters on Nov. 9th will be
m~ important step in adequately addressing the need of the
District and in creating a District ofunparalleled excellence
in the state... - Sincerely, Ruth Ann Fate
President, Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education
Chair, Citizens for Better Education
2121 So, Columbia, Suite 103, Tulsa
: by Tom Neal, editor/publisher
¯ Some Gay readers will likely look at the excerpted
¯ letter above and respond: "yeah right, why should I care
~ - I don’t have kids"and"TPS is ahomophobic institution
¯
which doesn’t deserve my support." Some non-Gay
~ readers will likely read this and also wonder why Gay
people should care about education issues.
But the reality is that many Gay people (using the term
broadly to include LGB and T folk) do have children,
some by marriages to non-Gay folk before coming out,
and some by adoption, and some creative Lesbians and
Gay men are having our own children. Even those of us
who do not have children directly of our own, like me,
have no fewer than eight nephews and nieces about half
of whom were educated in Tulsa Public Schools. And we
have friends with children too.
.My pointis that despite the an.ti-Gay stereotypes which
paint Lesbians and Gay men as anti-family, we have a
strong interest in providing a good educational system to
the children of our community. We also have some selfinterest
in that there tends to be a correlation between
education and the lessening of anti-Gay prejudice. And if
we insist that TPS, an educational system which we help
fund, seek to teach the values of respect and tolerance for
all citizens, to teach that the diversity of our city makes us
stronger, then we, Gay and Lesbian citizens, regardless of
whether we have children who directly benefit from TPS,
will gain. Therefore, on Nov. 9th, please consider voting
yes: do it for kids.
Friends Mourn
Murdered Gay Pastor
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Calling him a "an
oversized angel inhumanform,"mourners andfriendsof
a slain pastor and Gay civil rights activist led
tributes to him. The Rev. Edward R. Sherriff, 68, an
associate pastor at the Cathedral of Promise
MetropolitanCommtmity Churchin Sacramento was
found stabbed to death in his home Oct. 20 in what
police believe was a robbery. More than 300 friends
andfzraily crowded into the church where Sherriff
served as co-pastor for 11 years. Later in the day,
mourners filled the sidew~ilks to "celebrate the
home~zoing" of the slain activist.
A t~ndf-ul.of local religious leaders paid tribute to
Sherriff, including Sister Catherine Connell, director
of the Catholic Wellspring women’s center, and the
Rev. Isaiah Muhammad of the Nation of Islam.
Sherriff’s daughters were als0 among the crowds.
"It’s amazing to me the people who love him, who
truly love him," said Scharlene Sheriff.
Sherriff’s other daughter Marsha Lanier said she
does notbelieve her father’s murder was ahate crime.
Helikely died because he went out ofhis way to help,
Lanier said. ’That’s one thing he would have been
proud of," she said.
Court to Reconsider
Religious Bias Ruling
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The federal appeals court
that allowed religious landlords to deny rentals to
unmarried couples agreed to reconsider recently at
therequest of states, cities andcivil rights groups. The
9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said an 11-judge
panel will decide whether property owners with
religious objections to certain types of tenants are
entitled to exemptions from housing discrimination
laws. The case involves state and local laws in
Anchorage prohibiting housing discrimination based
on marital status. The ruling would also al’fect
discrimination based on sexual orientation, where
barred by law, and possibly other categories covered
by laws in the nine states of the nation’s largest
federal circuit.
A panel of the court ruled 2-1 in January that
enforcement of the discriminationlaws would violate
the rdigious freedom of two Anchorage landlords
who had religious objections to providing homes for
unmarried couples. With no compelling state interest
at Stake, the landlords could not be forced to choose
between their businesses and their religious beliefs,
the courtmajority said. The court said a majority ofits
21 activejudges had voted to set the January decision
aside and order a new hearing before the 11-judge
panel, at a date not yet scheduled.
Requests by Alaska and Anchorage for a reheating
were supported by national civil liberties and Gay
civil-rights orgamzations, cities including Los_Angeles
and San Francisco, and the states of California,
Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Hawaii.
California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who
enlisted his counterparts in the other states, said
discrimination laws would be affected in every state.
"q’here’s no inherent conflict between state antidiscrimination
laws and the private religious view s of
a landlord," he said. "Fhe issue is whether they can
discriminate in their commercial and business
activities."
Kevin G. Clarkson, lawyer for the Anchorage
landlords, said he wasn’t surprised by the rehearing,
but argued that his clients’ ’interests were more
important than those of the state or would-be tenants.
’%Vhat’s at stake is the First Amendment right of
property owners to manage their property consistent
with their religious beliefs," Clarkson said. He said
there was no evidence that unmarried couples in any
state have had trouble finding housing because of the
religious objections of a small number of landlords.
Conservative religious organizations such as Focus
on the Family and the American Center for Law and
Justice, as well as the more liberal National Council
of Churches, have filed arguments supporting the
landlords.
The Supreme Courts of Alaska and Californiahave
upheld their state discrimination laws against
challenges .by religious landlords. But if the federal
appeals court sides with thelandlords, property owners
throughout the circuitcould sidestep statecourtrulings
and go into federal court for religious exemptions.
The suit was filedby KevinThomas and Joyce Baker,
who each own several rental properties in Anchorage
and said they had consistently refused to rent to
unmarried cohabitants because of their Christian
beliefs. They have not been accused of violating the
state or local laws but asked the court to bar" their
enforcement.
In the January ruling, Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain
said the law not only placed an unconstitutional
burden on landlords’ religious practices but also
violated freedom of speech, by prohibiting owners
from asking about a tenant’s marital status, States can
imposesuchrestrictions onbusinesses for compelling
reasons, such as preventing discrimination based on
race or sex, O’Scannlain said. But he said
discrimination on the basis of marital status isn’t
banned by the Constitution, federal law or the laws of
many states, and no compelling interest has. been
shown for its elimination. The case is Thomas vs.
Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, 97-35220.
Methodists Attack Boy
Scouts’ Anti-Gay Policy
tIACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) - The Boy Scouts of
America could lose an important ally as it prepares to
appeal a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that the
group couldnotremove aNew Jersey manbecausehe
is Gay.
The United Methodist Church, which sponsors
about 15% of the 3.3 million Scouts in the United
States, has scolded the group and is threatening to halt
its sponsorship if things don’t change. Although the
church "would like to enthusiastically affirm and
encourage this continuing partnership of the church
and Scouting, we cannot due to the Boy Scouts of
America s discnmanat~on agmnstGays; the Gener
Board of Church and Society said earlier this month.
The board is a top policy-making body of the
Methodists. It also encouraged the Boy Scouts to stop
the policy barring homosexuals. ’"We further, for the
sake of our continmng partnership, call upon the Boy
Scouts of America to discontinue this exclusion of
Gays," the board concluded in the Oct. 10 statement.
The Methodists earlier had said the church wanted to
triple the number of Scouts it sponsors.
But the Boy Scouts say the threat won’t dissuade
themfrom appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. Greg
Shields, a spokesman for the Boy Scouts, said the
organization hopes the case will be heard before next
year’s summer recess. Shields also said he believes
the Boy Scouts’ longtime relationship with the
Methodists will endure. "We feel like we have a
¯ strong base of support within the congregations,"
¯ Shields told The Record of Hackensack.
¯ The appeal plan follows aunanimous Augustruling
: by the state Supreme Court that says the policy of
keeping out homosex~mls violates the state’s anti-
" discrimination law. The court said the Boy Scouts
¯ organization constitutes a "place of public
accommodation" because it has a broad-based
membership and forms partnerships with public
¯ entities such as police and fire departments.
¯ James Dale, 29, ofMatawan inMomnouth County,
¯ was an assistant scoutmaster whe was kicked out of
the Boy Scouts nine years ago whenleaders found out
¯ he is Gay. He sued., seeking reinstatement. Dale
¯ earned 30 merit badges, seven achievement honors
¯ and other awards, and became an Eagle Scout during ¯
his 12 years in the organization. He was expelled by
¯ theMoumouthCouncilin 1990 after the group leamed
from a newspaper article that he was Gay. The Irving,
¯
Texas-based organization has said if forced to accept
¯
Gays, the organization would not be able to build
¯ moral character in boys.
The New Jersey ruling contrasted with a March
¯
1998 decision by the California Supreme Court inthe
¯ Boy Scouts’ favor. In that ruling, alsounammous, the
¯ court said the organization was not abusiness and was
: therefore free to exclude Gays, as well as atheists and
¯ agnostics. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an
: appeal of that decision.
Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC
Certified Public Accountant
a professional corporation
747-5466
4021 S. Harvard, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135
MCC-United
formerly Family of Faith & Greater Tulsa MCC
Joined as one body of believers.
Come celebrate with us,
Sunday Services, 11 am
1623 North Maplewood, 838-1715
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm
3210b S. Norwood, Info: 224-4754, Chris or Sharon
Sandra Hill M.s.
Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist
Psychotherapy & Clinical Consultation
After Hours Appointments AvailabIe
2865 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 215,745-1111
Community Unitarian Universalist
Congregation
at Communi~. ofHope
2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595
A Welcoming Congregation
Mingo Valley Flowers
9413 E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145
918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800rdA.4-5934
Family Owned & Operated
Trinna L. W. Burrows, LSW, ACSW
Ghild, Family, Individual & Gouplo Psychotherapy
(918) 743-9559
2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518
Cathy Fur g, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
1980 Utica Square Medical Center
Tulsa, Oklahbma 74114
voice: 628-3709, fax: 712-9854
Adults, Children, Couples, and Families
OK~HOMA COMMUNICATIONS
Local- Long Distance
Cellular- Paging
747-1508
Free Car Adaptor &
Leather Case with New Cell Phone
The Pride Store
1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
¯in Tulsa’s Gay Community Services Center
743-GAYS (743-4297)
6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday
12-9 pm, Saturday, all’ales benefit the Center
KEVIN BURLESO N
Keller Williams Realty
712-2252
Burleson@kw.com
2651 East 21st Street, Ste. 100, Tulsa 74114
An Independent Member Broker
Housekeeping &
Gardening Service
Contact Paul on: (918) 582 8460
POB 3150, Tulsa, OK, 74101
OPENARMS,OPENMINDS,OPENHEARTS ]
Saint Aidan
4045 N. Cincinnati. 425-7882
Saint John
4200 S. Atlanta Place, 742-7381
Saint Dunstan
5635 East 71st, 492-7140
Trinity
501 S. Cincinnati, 582-4128
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Boeing ExtendsBenefits
to Same-Sex Partners
SEATTLE (AP) - The Boeing Co., citing the need to
maintain a quality work force and the benefits of
diversity, plans-to extend health-care benefits next
year to same-sex domestic partners of salaried nonumon
employees. The decision, announced to
company managers by electronic mail, was praised
by Gay civil rights advocatesl It was criticized by
unionleaders, however, for leaving outtheirmembers
and nnmarried heterosexual partners. Company
officials did not say how many employees would be
affected. RoughlyhalfofBoeing’s 202,000 employees
worldwide are salaried and non-union.
A recent Forbes Magazine survey indicated
unmarried partners are covered by health benefits in
10% of the businesses with at least 200 employees.
Companies that provide same-sex-partner benefits
include Lotus Development Corp., Microsoft Corp.,
IBM, Walt Disney Co., U S West, Honeywell and
Xerox.
In the e-mail, James B. Dagnon, Boeing’s senior
vice president for personnel, said the move was made
for two reasons: ’~First to attract and retain talented
employees, and second to walk the talk on diversity.
"Diversity, with a capital D, means acknowledging
employees have different backgrounds, preferences
and interests."
A task force of personnd managers and minority
employees w.asformedto study theissue last year, bu.t
consii~eration of an initial proposal was stalled until
the company’s financial performance improved in
recent months, Boeing spokesman Peter Conte said.
The decision is long overdue, said Charles Fay,
chairman of Hands-Off Washington in Snohomish
County and Dennis Rybicki, a spokesman for the
SnohomishCountyElections Committee., which,r~an~__. s
political candidates on Gay and Lesbian xssues, q’his
should send a signal to other employers, large and
small, that it’s goodbusiness to recognize the value of
all families," Fay said.
Charles Bofferding, executive directorof the Society
ofProfesSional Engineering Employees inA.erospa.~,
said the move seemed to be designed to sabotage ,his
group’s contract-negotiations, which begin soon.
SPF.EA, formerly the Seattle Professional Engineering
Employees Association, is the second-largest imion
at Boeing, representing 23,000 scientists, engineers,
manual writers and technical workers. SPEEA
negotiators will seek the benefit but don’t want to
sacrifice other potential contract gains to obtain it,
Bofferding said. ’This attitude, that management
knows best and employees will take whatever is
dished, out, this is outrageous ,"he said. "Is the Boeing
Co. going to discriminate againstheterosexuals now?"
Conte said health-care benefits will not be offered
tO unmarried heterosexual partners because they can
get married, an option from which same-sex parmers
are barred by law.
Tim Flynn, a spokesman for the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers,
which r~ep~resents hourly producuon workers and is
Boeings largest union, said Machinist leaders may
discuss same-sex benefits before expiration of the
three-year contract that was ratified in September.
Annetta Small, director of the West Coast office of
Kerusso Ministries, which seeks to persuade Gays
and Lesbians to become heterosexual through
Chrsfianity, said she opposes any extension ofbenefits
to non-married partners. "We are giving benefits to a
behavior that I believe is wrong and that I believe is
immoral," she said. "I don’t believe that we should
extend these benefits to people who are not married."
Hate Letters Sent to
Rhode Island Politicos
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Threatening letters with
anti-Gay sentiments have been sent to the Providence
mayor, the city’s liaison to the Gay community and
two men who were recently assaulted in a Gaybashing
attack.
One letter, which Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr.
received, described Providence as a ’Tag lovin’ city".
Leaflets that said "Fake Action Against Queer’s,
¯ were also scattered downtown and placed on cars.
¯¯ City and police officials said they are taking the
threats very seriously because they appear to be part
¯ ofan organized effort. Inresponse, thepolice assigned
¯ extra officers downtown. "In this day and age, this
’- should not be. We’re not going to tolerate it," Cianci
~ told The Providence Journal.
¯ W. Fitzgerald Himmelsbach, the city’s liaison to
the Gay and Lesbian community, also received a
" death threat over the telephone. He received a call at
¯ his business from aman who said, "Die, you fagg.ot .
~ All the letters said ’~omosexuality is a sin against
¯ humankind and God," and all were signed "The
¯ Trench Coat Mafia" - the name used by a group of
"- students at Columbine High School, in I.ittleton,
¯
Colo., that .included the two gnmmen who killed 13
¯ people there last spring. -
Himmelsbach saidletters receivedby the twoassault
". victims threatened that they would"endup inhell like
[ Matthew Shepard," the Wyoming college student
¯ who was beaten to deathlast fall because he was Gay.
¯ The letters were sent to Ed Webb, 34, and Noah
] Schwartz, 41, both of Providence. On Sept. 19 in
: downtownProvidence, themensaid about20college-
" aged men yelled "faggots" and then five of the men
¯ beat them up.
¯ Both Himmelsbaeh, who has been the liaison for
~ two years,and Cianci saidreceiving threats is nothing
¯ new but both are worried that this is part of an
~ organized effort. ’~Eianci vowedto fred the "cowards"
.. who are the perpetrators and then prosecute them for
. hate crimes. Police do not have any suspects yet.
: Denver Considers
:: Couples Registry
¯ DENVER (AP) - City Council members are
: considering a proposal that would create a registry to
~ record the relationships of Gay and Lesbian partners
and other committed but unmarried couples. The
¯ proposal, heard by the city council, would allow
Denverites to officially record their partnerships to
¯
qualify for insurance benefits some companies offer
¯ to the "domestic partners" of their workers. And, for
¯ same-sex couples, it would allow their unions to be
: acknowledg?,.d,, if only nominally, by local
" government. It sfinallytimeforthecitytorecognize
." committed relationships," said Councilman Ed
¯ Thomas, who, along with Councilwoman Cathy ¯
Reynolds, has beenplanning such aregistry for several
¯ years. .
¯ To qualify, both members of a couple would have
¯ to be unmarried, 18 years or older and sharing the ¯
¯ same household with a partner who is not a blood
relative. A filing fee at the city’s clerk and recorder’s
¯ office is expected to be about $20. Couples would be ¯
¯ required to notify that office if their relationships
dissolve. The plan had tentative approval by most
members ofthe city s Safety and Personnel Commatt
¯ except council member Ted Hackworth, who said it
¯ "doesn’t make sense." ¯ Itis slated for further discussionby council members
¯
in the coming weeks. Advocates hope to have the
registry in place by Valentin~ s Day. If approved,
¯ filing with the registry wouldn t constitute amarriage
or common-law marriage, nor would it affect
¯ inheritance rights.
¯ Still, advocates say itwouldprovide documentation ¯
¯ for couples seeking benefits from United Airlines,
Coors, Denver city government and other employers
¯ who insure domestic partners of workers. Proponents
¯ also hope it would help advance rights whenit comes
¯ to visiting partners in the hospital ormaking medical ¯
decisions on their behalf. Theregistry would similarly
¯ benefit seniorcouples who choosenot to marry because
¯ they would lose Social Security or other benefits.
~ Boulder has a similar registry program, as do the state
¯ of California and 35 cities in 25 states nationwide.
¯ Irish Jury Convicts
Writer’s Assailants
: PHILADELPHIA (AP)- Ajury in Irdand convicted
¯ two men in the near-fatal beating of a well-known ¯
Philadelphia writer of Gay-themed books who was
¯ overseas researching a novel see News, p. 13
Magic Johnson
Plays in Sweden
BORAS, Sweden (AP) - Magic Johnson
entertained a sellout crowdTuesday night
with some of the trademark skills he used
to help the Los Angeles Lakers win five
NBA rifles.
The 40-year-old star, 10 years older
than the second oldest player on the court,
had 14 points and 11 rebounds as Magic
M7 beat Sallen 84-60 in.the Swedish
basketball league.
"The first half was a little tough, but the
second was easier.,"Johnson told the 3,319
spectators after,the game, his first nonexlfihition
contest since leaving the NBA
for good in 1996.
Johnson missed some easy layup
attempts. "That’s easy when the
atmosphere was as charged and the
euphoria as high as it was tonight," he
said. After a standing ovation before the
game, Johnson drew further cheers when
he promised to return to play more games
for Magic MT.
MT, which missed the playoffs last
season, is 7-0 this season,.with Johnson’s
appearance generating great interest in
the sport in Boras, a city of 110,000 in
western Sweden.
Johnson, who led Michigan State to the
1979 U.S. National Collegiate Athletic
Association rifle, learned he had tested
positive for the HIV virus that can cause
AIDS in 1991. He retired for the first rime
justbefore the startof the 1991-92 season.
After returning to play on the U.S.
Dream Team that won the gold medal in
the 1992 Olympics, he made a brief
comeback before the !992-93 season, but
quit again after several players expressed
concerns about playing against him.
In January 1996, he returned to the
Lakers and played the remaining half of
the season, retiring again, at age 37, after
the Lakers were eliminated from the
playoffs.
Louganis in
Nun-Drag?
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) - Greg
Louganis has picked up a new habit. The
Olympxc gold medal-winning diver is
starring in the musical comedy, ’~lunsense
A-Men," which runs through Dec. 5 at the
Hollywood Playhouse.
Lougams, who wonfour gold medals in
two Olympics and later disclosed he was
Gayand HIV-positive, will pull on a habit
six rimes a week for his role as Sister
Robert Ann, a streetwise nun who always
wanted to be a star. All the nuns in this
production are men.
The former diver, author and
motivational speaker says he likes working
in an ensemble cast. "There’s always
someone there to hold your hand," said
I_ouganis, 39. "It feels more supportive, I
guess.’"
Thou.gh Louganis now has AIDS, he
looks and feels healthy. He says he does
not think aboutbeing arole model. "We’re
all haman. We all make mistakes," he
said "Role model, in my mind, is
perfection and one can’t be that. I try to
encourage young people to be their own
heroes and their own role models."
AIDS & So. Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -
After the end of apartheid, South Africa
pushed to get patients out of overcroWded
hospitals and into preventive care clinics.
But as fast as the country has built 700
¯
new clinics since 1994, traditional state
¯¯ hospitalshavefilledupwithAIDS patients
who occupy up to 60% of the beds, South
: African Health Minister Manto
¯ Tshabalala-Msimang said recently.
¯ ’’We expected the demand for hospital
¯ caretodrop,"shesaidatanews conference
; at theheadquarters oftheAfrican National
¯ Congress. "But the HIV and AIDS
¯ epidemic has increased the burden." The
¯ briefingwas one ofa series by theANCon
¯ its progress in ruling the country.
¯ Tshabalala-Msimang chairs the party’s
¯ health committee.
-" Some 3.6 million South Africans are
¯ infected with AIDS, roughly one in eight
." adults, and the government says 1,500
¯ new :infections occur every day in one of
." the world’s fastest rates of infection. A
¯ narionalAIDS councilwillbefunctioning
: by year’s end, Tshabalala-Msimang said.
¯ ’’We should have had the council in place
: already," she said.
: Controversial proposals, such treating
: pregnant women with HIV with a drug
¯ therapy to prevent transmission of the
¯ virus to infants, will be discussed next
¯ month at a meeting of regional health ¯
ministers, she said. The government so far
: has rejected the proposal as too expensive
: and possibly even dangerous in terms of
¯ long-term side effects.
¯ The healthministers fromthe Southern ¯
African Development Community will
¯ also discuss blood safety anddevelopment
¯ of an HIV vaccine.
: AIDS Threatens
Asia’s Prosperity
KUALALUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -The
AIDS epidemic in Asia could erase the
region’s economic gains over the last two
decades unless governments maintain
funding for social programs, aWorldBank
expert warned late last month.
In Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia,
Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam and
Southern China, AIDS had gained a
"strong foothold," even before the
economiccrisis struckin 1997, saidMartha
Ainsworth, a senior World Bank
economist.
The dreaded virus "threatens to slowly
unravel the progress in improving the
human condition.and to diminate if not
reverse the benefits of the economic
miracle,’’ Ainsworth told the 5th
International Congress on AIDS in Asia
and the Pacific.
The region’s two-year economic crisis
may have further hurt Asia’s fight against
AIDS, said Ainsworth. Cash-strapped
governments wereforced to slash budgets
and lower wages. The crisis also pushed
thousands of families into poverty and
many women into prostitution.
"’Even before the crisis, political
commitment to AIDS prevention in the
region was weak," said Ainsworth. "Many
policy makers are still in denial."
Development policies before the crisis
channeled funds into education and health
¯ care budgets, resulting in higher life
expectancies and reduced poverty:
¯ "The full impact of the crisis on HIV
: depends critically on how well
~ governments and households succeeded
¯ .in maintaining socialsafety nets," said
: AJnsworth, an expert on the effect of
¯ AIDS on households. Ainsworth said
: AIDS hadalready subtracted several years
¯
offtheaveragelifeexpectancies ofcertain
¯ countries.
A U.N report released at the four-day
¯ conference esrimates that by 2010, the ¯
overall death rate will be 20% higher in
OECE~%
WorldAIDS Day 1999
Candlelight March & Memorial Service
sponsored by Interfaith AIDS Ministries
Wednesday, December 1st
End the Silence
Mount Zion Baptist Church
419 North Elgin (next to OSU-Tulsa)
Gather 6:30 at St. Monica’s, Marshall Place at
Greenwood (just south of Pine), March at 7pm,
Service at 7:30, all times approximate! Bring
banners & bells; candles provided. Info: 438-2437.
Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American~.~
Tulsa s Two-Spirited Indian Men s
¯
Support Group ~s here for you!
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native.American AIDS Prevention Project
at 582-7225 Ext, 208 or 218
Dial-Up Accounts
Dedicated ISDN
Connections
Virtual Hosting
Visit our web page
"www.igisweb.net"
(918) 622-4965
Internet Marketing
E-Commerce
Web Page Design
On-Site Setup Available
Oklahoma NARAL cordially invites you
to a chocOlate and champagne fete in
support of abortion and reproductive
rights in Oklahoma.
Celebrating 26 Yedrs.of Choice
Sunday, November 7, 1999, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
to be held at Resonance
1608 S. Elwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Champagne, Coffee, Chocolates
$25 per individual
Please R.S.V.P. to the NARAL Office: 494-9585
Stay Healthy Naturally
Wellness
Rejuvenation
Longevity
Dr. Terrance L. Sullivan
Doctor ofNaturopathy
Certified Colonic Hygenist
Certified Reflexologist
Certified Herbalist
Certified Accupressurist
provides consultations by appointment
Iridology- Hair Analysis - Herbal Supplements
Pain Control - Nutritional Analysis
4520 So. Peoria, Brookside, 712-1400
Myanmar due to AIDS fatalities. In
Cambodia and Thailand, it may rise 15%
because of AIDS. The United Nations
estimates that 7 million people in Asia are
infected with the HIV virus or AIDS.
Speakers at the conference, which ends
Wednesday, have urged Asia to act fast to
curb the epidemic or risk the devastation
now facedby Africa, which has 21 million
AIDS-related cases.
Experts areparticularlyconcemedabout
the effects of AIDS on Indonesia, the
world’s fourth largest country, where the
regional economiccrisis was compounded
by political upheaval. It diverted attention
and funding from the AIDS epidemic,
Aiusworth said. ’~olitical turmoil nodoubt
increased risky behavior for the spread of
HIV," Ainsworth said.
She said countries such as Thailand
one of the high-risk areas in Asia, had
proved that maintaining commitment to
AIDS -prevention programs paid
dividends. HIV cases dropped among
prostitutes,menwith sexually-transmitted
diseases and blood donors in Thailand
despite the economic crisis, she said.
"Many governments in this region have
a window of opportunity to act early and
prevent an epidemic," Ainsworth said.
Children at Risk
in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -
Seeking to help young children deal with
a soanng number of sexual assaults,
national health and education officials are
considering an education program for
primary students to teach about rape and
HIV infections, a newspaper reported
Sunday.
A pilot program was tested in the
Nor~ern and F~ee State provinces, where
about 700 children received the lessons,
the Sunday Times of Johannesburg
reported. About 14,000 children are
sexually violated every year, police reports
say, but a large number of rapes go
unreported, anti-rape activists say.
About 8% of the adult population is
HIV positive. One factor that experts
belie,ve has contributed to child rape is the
persxstent myth that sex with a virgin can
cure the disease.
Abraham Seckle, an Education
Department official, was quoted assaying
the program would "empower learners to
protect themselves." A consultantinvolved
in the project, Darleen Edwards,
said that children are taught to "run, yell
and tell" in the program.
PLWA to Race in
Iditarod Next Year
MESA, Ariz. (AP)-The first Arizonan to
enter Alaska’s most grueling sled dog
race faces two major obstacles before he
even steps to the starting line. Chuck
Kin.g, 39, of Tempe, has no experience
racang. He has only 100 miles actually
riding a dog sled. And King is. HIV
positive. Every day, he takes fisffuls of
anti-viral pills just to stay alive.
But he doesn’t see this as a setback. He
views his illness and the March 4 Iditarod
sled-dog race as a chance to prove that
people with AIDS don’t have to
concentrate on survival alone. "In the last
seven years, I was supposed to have died
three times and I made it through all of
that," King said in a telephone interview
from Wasilla, Alaska.
The Iditarod this year will stretch 1,152
miles fromWasilla to Nome, takingracers
" at least 10 days to complete. And that’s
: only if the expected 80 participants keep
up a good pace. The snow layers the trail
¯ in multiple feet, not mere inches.
¯" Temperatures dip deep into thenegatives,
numbing hands and lungs. At night;
¯ Sections of the woods-darkened course
." are lit only by the aurora borealis, which
¯ crackle and cast shadows in the trees and
: snow. Switchbacks get so steep in some
¯ areasthatdrivers can’tseetheleadoftheir
¯¯ 16-dogpack.A driver unlucky enough to
fall off gets left in a cloud of snow and
¯
regret. ’q~here ain’t no waitin’ in this
." race," said Raymond "Raymie"
¯ Redington, King’s sled-dog trainer. ’q’he
¯" huskies are bred to go. They’ll bolt off the
." starting line even if you say halt."
." Redington should know. The 54-year-
. old Alaska native’s father founded the
¯ racein 1973. He has been in 111ditarods;
: his highest placing was seventh. Since
: September, Redington has trained King
¯ on a four-wheeler that simulates a sled-
: dog team. King will work with the dogs as
¯ the snow starts to fall.
¯ King began training last year, gaining ¯
¯ about 100 miles of mushing experience.
Oddly, being a native Arizonan could
give him a boost: King was trained as a
bo.y to handle amule drawn wagon, which
¯ ~mrrors mushing techniques, Redington
¯ said. King will have to be up to speed by
: Jan. 1, whenthelditarod’sfirstqualifying
race, the Knik 200, takes place. The 2nd
~ qualifier is a week later.
¯ Only after the 500 miles of racing will
’ Redington know whether King is ready
: for the Iditarod. "I don’t know how he’s
¯" going to do when it gets real freezing,"
¯ said Redington, who remembers the 38-
below zero wind chill he endured in the
¯ 1974Iditarod. "Buthelooks healthynow. "" ¯
That hasn’t always been the case for
¯ King. Six years ago, the 6-foot man had
¯ wastedto 118pounds. Doctors gav,eKing, ¯
a former respiratory physician, 90 days to
live after diagnosing him with multidrug
¯ resistant tuberculosis. At one point, his Tcell
count, a measure of the body’s
¯ resistance to disease, bottomed out at 40;
~ a virus-free, healthy person’s T-cell coun!
usually reaches 1,000.
Kinghad one wish: to see Alaska before
¯ he died. Two years ago he took a cruise
." there, and he caught another bug. This
time, it was mushing. "That’s all he could
¯ talk about," said his father, Dick King.
¯ "He was suicidal, depressed at times. BUt
this brought him out."
Science lent a hand, too. Strong anti¯
viral drugs called protease inhibitors
became available. King was soon on a
¯ five-drug ’.’cocktail"prescribed to him by
Scottsdale’s Dr. Thanes Vanig. He began
¯ popping about 26 pills a day. He said he ¯
has to smoke marijuana to beat down the
¯ nausea caused by themedieation. He also
,- has to take percocet, and even morphine,
¯ to numb the neurological pain to his lower
¯ legs that was caused by the tuberculosis
¯ and AIDS drugs. His T-cell count has
¯ jumped to 560, the lower side of normal.
¯ He’s also gained 44 pounds, thanks in
¯ large part to injections of human growth
: hormone, a $4,000-a-month drug that he
; said was donated by a pharmaceutical
¯ company.
¯ WhenKingrecentlyreturned to Alaska,
¯
his spirits were high, His po~c,k,etbook is
¯ - the opposite. King is feveris!!) lining up
¯ sponsors, such as Tempe Mayor Neil
¯ Giuliano, to make it through the race and
¯ bring AIDS awareness to a new level,
¯ "It’s not just for people with AIDS," he
¯
s.aid. ’q~hemessageis for everyone: Don’t
¯ g~ve up. Don’t ever give up."
L
by James Christjohn
Upon viewing the PBS production of
"Spirit: A Journey in Dance, Drum, and
Song" on PBS, I contacted Peter Buffett,
the composer and creator. Upon learning
that there would be a National Tour with
a stop in Tulsa at the Brady
Theatre on January 3,
2000; I had the opportunity
to askafew questions. You
can get the video of the
production that originally
aired on PBS, as well as
theCDat areamusic/video
stores. It’s powerful in
those mediums (reviewed
previously), and one can
only imagine the impact of
the piece live.
JC: Hello, Peter!
PB: Hello! Well...
finally I’m answering your
questions. I was frantically
finishing a record for a
friend. It had to be done by
yesterday (which it was)
so I can go to New York
today to start all the
mechanics it’s going to take to get the
"Spirit" showon the road by the Fall. At
somepoint, you’11 have to get the’’making
of" part of the video. I think you’ll really
enjoy it. "(Note: The "Making of..." is
included on the retail vide~’Of the show.)
JC: It’s such an amazing piece that
works on so many diffdrent levels, l was
wondering whatinspired the idea to bring
together the different elements - dance.
song, etc. - to create the show?
PB: I wanted to bring all the elements
together for two main reasons. One,
"A hundred years ago
people sang
the Ghost Dance
songs in the hopes
that the world would
return to the way
it once was,
Now, the choir in
some of the Spirit
songs are singing those
very same words in
hopes that the world
can become
what it could be. ""
- Peter Buffett
because in Native cultures, song anddance
are usually linked. You can’t have one
without the other. They both contribute to
the telling ofthe story. Andthe projections
help bring the natural (or unnatural.., or
supernatural) worldinto the theatre. That’s
the "art" reason.
The "commerce" reasonis
that I knew my show
would be competing with
larger and larger events.
Not only theatrical, but
lmaxmovies,hugebudget
movies and all sorts of
entertainment that tugs at
the consumer. I wanted to
try and create something
thatpeople could honestly
say they hadn’ t seenbefore
(no small feat). So this was
my attempt..
JC: Well,judgingfrom
the response at the taping
from the audience, and the
incredible response I’ve
seen to the video, l’d say
you achieved your goal.
PB: It’s important to
note that I’m not in the "bigger is better"
: camp (as it may sound) but people want
and deserve their money’s worth. Andit’s
getting harder to "outdo" the last thing ~n
[ terms ofp0werful soundandimagery. My
[ hope is that the message of the show has
as much effect on people as anything else.
JC: I can only speak from my own
¯. experience, and that oflistening to others
¯ who have seen the video, to say that it was
very powerful in that regard, and
¯ communicated its message wonderfully.
see Buffett, p. 14
couNciL
Is proud to present
gie Hall veteran soprano, Floxane La Combe.
nature "COMC Sound" has attracted sold out audiences.
Order your tickets in advance.
November 19 & 20
JOHN WILLIAMS THEATRE
TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Call 596-7111 for tickets
www.counciloak.org
~’~#Made possible in part oy a grant from the Tulsa Pedorming Arts Center Trust.
by That Entertainment Guy
Livin La Vida Loca Tour, the Divine
king, Ricky Martin appears in Dallas al
Reunion Arena, Dallas, Thursday, Nov
4, 1999, at 8:00PM. Now this would be
the concert to take binocnlars to - and the
telephoto mini-camera. Ticket prices for
the Prince ofPop: $35.00- $75.00 Charge-
By-Phone #: 214-373-8000.
The Divine Queen of All Things is also
performing in Dallas in November. No,
not Stevie, although she is the otherQueen
of All T’nings Divine; but the Divine Ms.
Millennium Tour: Bette Midler in Concert,
A Beaver Production takes place Sunday,
Nov128,1999 at8:00prn at ReunionArena.
As she said in one early concert tour,
’qTais ain’t no cheap meat you’re lookin’
at!": Ticket prices run $50.50 - $150.50,
Charge-By-Phone at 214-373-8000.
Peter Buffett’s "Spirit - A Journey in
Dance, Drums and Song" is a music,
dance and percussion spectacle that
combines the power of contemporary
music with the songs, chants and dances
of Native American culture. The release
of the CD coincides with the PBS
Broadcast ofthe live show of Spirit, which
features over 80 performers - including
twenty dancers with both modem and
traditional training, an orchestra withboth
modem and ancient tribal instruments, a
flits choir and percussionists pounding
outheart-stopping rhythms on a variety of
drums.
The show runs in Tulsa, January 4-9, at
the Brady Theatre; and if you miss that,
then you can catch "Spirit" in Dallas,
March 7-12 at the Majestic Theatre.
You really didn’t think I’d let you get
away without the obligatory mention of
Stevie Nicks herself, did you? Yes, La
Diva nicks is performing three shows:
Two in California’s HOuse of Biues in
December, and one in Las Vegas HOB on
New Year’s eve. Tickets went for an
outrageous $127 (balcony seating) and
$227 (Orchestra - STANDING!). There
only a few floor spaces left for the New
Year’s show.. All others sold out. Believe
it or not.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the
"Send the obsessed reviewer to see S tevie
and not come back fund" can send
contributions to TFN. Just make sure my
name’s in big letters on the envelope, or
I’ll never see the money. It’ll end up in the
"buy the publisher new household
gimmicks" fund.
The Divine Ms. Nick’s new album
should be out the 1st of the year, if not
sooner. And hopefully, with a more
affordable tour. Apparently the cost of
chiffon has risen - a lot.
Fight Clubis.amovie that under ordinary
circumstances, I would have never gone
to see. However, I was not under ordinary
circumstances, and was swept along to
see it. I thought I’d hate it. After seeing it,
I think everyone should see it. The acting
is dynamic, the pace is breathless, and the
intellect behind it is tremendous. The
violence is not that bad, one scene aside,
and the points the movie makes are well
worth the viewing. The humor is well
done, and the homoeroticism between Ed
Norton and Brad Pittmakes it worthwhile.
see Fight, p. 15
.Parade of Ligh! s.
Come celebrate the spirit of the holiday season
at the PSO Christmas Parade of Lights.
Saturday, December 11, Downtown Tulsa at 6 p.m.
View parade floats up close, Friday, December 10,
at the HolidayFest (Brady Arts Distriot) fl om 6-9 p.m.
Pubfic Service Company of Oklahoma
A Central and South West Company
I B B (I T Z
"emotionally and visually rich ..."
-Performing Arts Review, Taiwan
"unforgettable scenes of disparate beauty"
-Davar
"intense in feeling ...
deep in intellectual content"
-The Plain Dealer
"bold, flLnging athleticism"
-The Kansas City Star
November 16 at 8 p.m.
Chapman Music Hall
Tulsa Performing Arts Center
3rd & Cincinnati
Tickets: $15, $22, $25
Call: (918) 596-7111
Outside Tulsa: 1-800-364-7111
Online: www.tulsapac.com
Presenting
by Rami Be’er
Co-presented bj,:
Oklahoma Israel Exchange
"Dazzling," "Pounding," "Unsettling," "Erotic"
"The dancing--real, vital dancing--of these 18 people
becomes a dyfiamo for transforming experience and
recharging the spirit." The Village Voice
Sponsored in part by:
"You don’t
have to know
ballet to
love ballet.
You just have
to try it."
-- MARCELLO ANGELINI
ART ST C D RECTOR
:Mixed Repertory includes two Oklahoma premieres
FRIDAY 8 PM
NOVEMBER 5
SATURDAY 8 PM "
NOVEMBER 6
SUNDAY 3 PM
NOVEMBER 7
Be one of the first anywhere to witness Tulsa Ballet’s first commissioned
piece. Tailored to the strengths of the Company by an international
genius. Classical ’roots, contemporary movements A prime-time
performance of2Oth-century choreography. The way people dance today.
Andwili tom0rrow: "
Tickets start at $8.
THE 199.9 - 2000 SEASON IS SPONSORED IN PART BY:
Order tickets,by calling The Tulsa Ballet Ticket Office at 749-6006, PAC at 596-7111
or Carson Attractions at 584~2000 * 4512 S. Peoria Ave. ¯ Tulsa, OK 74105-4563
Visit our web site at www.webtek.omitulsaballet
~ SUNDAYS
Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 11 am, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
Community of Hope (Welcoming), Service - 6pro, 2545 S. Yale, 585-1800
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Service - 1 lain, 2545 S. Yale, 749-0595 (Welcoming)
Church of the Restoration Unitarian Universalist
Service - 1 lam, 1314 No. Greenwood, 587-1314
Metropolitan Community Church United
Service, 1 lain, 1623 North Maplewood, Info: 838-1715
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc.
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 10:45am, 3210b So. Norwood
Parish Church of St. Jerome (Evangdical Anglican Church in America)
Mass - 1 lam, 205 W. King (east of N. Denver), Info: 582-3088
Unity Church of Christianity
Services: 9:15 & 11:00 am, 3355 S. Jamestown, 749-8833
University of Tulsa Bisexuai/Lesbian/Gay/Transgendered Alliance
6:30 pm, Meets at the United Ministry Cir., 5th & Evanston, 583-9780
~ MONDAYS
Mixed Volleyball, Helmerich Park, 71st & Riverside, 6pm, call Shawn at 243-5190.
HIV Testing Clinic, Free & anonymous testing. No appointment required.
Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm, 834-TEST (8378) 3501 E. Admiral (east of Harvard)
HIV Rap Sessions at Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
7:30pm, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
PFLAG, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
2nd Mordeach mo. 6:30pro, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 S. Harvard
Women/Children & AIDS Committee, call for meeting date, noon, 585-5551
Council Oak Men’s Chorale, rehearsals - call for thnes, info: 748-3888.
~ TUESDAYS
AIDS Coalition of Tulsa, call, for next meeting date. 1430 S. Boulder, 585-5551
Live And Let Live, Community of Hope U~fited Methodist, 7:30pm, 2545 S. Yale
Multicultural AIDS Coalition, call for next meeting date.
Urban League, 240 East Apache, 584-0001
PrimeTimers, mens group, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th
Coming Out Support Group (TOHR/HOPE)
Tuesdays, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E 38th, info: 743-4297
~ WEDNESDAYS
Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center
Prayer & Bible Study, 7:30 pm 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries,. Inc. Service - Vpm, 3210b So. Norwood
Tulsa Native American Mens Support Group, more information, call 582-7225
TCC Gay & Lesbian Association of Students (GLAS), Call for info: 595-7632.
Lambda A-A, 7 pm, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft.
~ THURSDAYS
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education
Anonymous HIV Testing, Testing: 7 - 8:30pm 834-8378, 3507 E. Admiral
Oklahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network (O’RYAN)
Support/social group for 18-24’s, call Red Rock Mental Health at 584-2325
Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV/AIDS, Info: 834-4194
~ FRIDAYS
SafeHaven, Young Adults Social Group, l st Fri/each mo. 8pm, Pride Ctr., 1307 E. 38th
~ SATURDAYS
Narcotics Anonymous, I 1 pm, Community o!~ Hope, 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585;-1800
Lambda A-A, 6.pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd fl.
~ OTHER GROUPS
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association, info: 298-0827
Gal-A-Vanting, Womens Social & Cultural Group
Call for info: Kathy at 322-6322, or Barb at 459-6825.
OK Spoke Club, Gay & Lesbian Bike Organization. Long rides & short rides from
Zcigler Park. Long & short rides from Tulsa Gay Community Center. Write for info:
POB 9165, Tulsa, OK 74157
Ifyour organization is not listed, please let us know. Call 583-1248 orfax 583-4615.
reviewed by Barry Hensley : substanceabuse and, now, a sympathetic
Tulsa City-County Library : wife with a decidedly un-Christian like
Whathappens whena"radical Lesbian" ¯ penchant for screaming and yelling. The
goes undercover to infiltrate the " author’s interaction with this member of
organizations of the religious Focus on the Family is most
right? She writes a book, of
course! Fortunately, this isn’t
"jnstaanotherChristianbashing
book, as Minkowitz is able to
see past her obvious
disagreements with these
groups and find some real,
human common ground. Life
is full ofgray area, as this book
shows.
Ferocious Romance is a
humorous but serious lookinto
religious fight organizations,
such as Promise Keepers and
Focus on the Family.
Minkowitz dons a fake
monstachc and lowers her
voice to attend a Promise
Keepers weekend that really
opens her eyes. In addition to
experiencing the fully
expected propaganda of men
itaking charge of the familyi
and making women submissive, she al~o
witnesses burly mencrying,hugging each
other andexpressing words offorgiveness.
She enjoys discussing this absurdity of
the feminization of the Christian Men’s
movement~
Her discussions with James Dobson’s
Focus on the Family are of more concern.
She has long conversations with a cute
voung man named Bobby, who is an
~tthappy "ex-Gay." It becomes evident
that Bobby’ s life is in a shambles due to
the cumulative effects ofchildhood abuse,
"The a.thor’s
interaetion with
this member of
Focus on the
Family is most
;nsi~htful. She
also meets with
several high level
exeeutlves in the
or~anlzatlon
whose arguments
t~t they are not
homophone are
astoundln~ in
their h~oe~sy."
insightful. Shealso meets with
several high level executives
in the organization whose
arguments that they are not
homophobicareastoundingin
their hypocrisy.
After these encounters with
the religious right, the author
inexplicably dives into an
account ofthe International S/
M Leather Fetish Celebration
that she attended inNew York
City to-celebrate the twentyfifth
anniversary of the
Stonewall Riots. We really
learn more than we ever
wanted to know about her
involvement in S/M. This
topic surfaces occasionally
throughout the book and her
comparison of conservative
Christians and S/M
practitioners is humorously
¯¯ enlightening.
As the 2000 elections approach, the
: religions right will undoubtedly take center
.. stage to promote their candidates and
, agenda. It is in everyone’s best interest to
: understand what these groups have in
¯ store for the country, should their ¯
candidates be elected. This book gives a
: bit ofinsightinto what’ s going onin these
¯ organizations. Check out Ferocious
Romance at your local branch library or
¯
call the Reader’s Services department at
: Central library, at 596-7966.
Members of each group were paired
together at the tables and encouraged to
gettoknow each other. Before the meeting,
the groups agreed to disagree on whether
Gays can be Christians and to focus on
ways to deter violence against Gays and
Christians, Falwell cited the September
shootings at a Texas church and recent
school shootings inwhichChristians were
targeted.
At a news conference following the
meeting, Falwell andWhite apologized to
each other for harsh words they have said
about the other’s groups over the years.
"I’ve been a preacher for 47 years, a
preacher of the gospel.., but in the end
homosexuality is. wrong," Falwell said.
’’It is my hope that evangelicals might
build a bridge of friendship -to Gays and
Lesbians as we have to alcoholics and
unwed mothers."
White, an author and minister with the
Metropolitan Community Churches, was
the ghost writerofFalwell’s autobiography
before White acknowledged being Gay.
Delegates from both groups thought the
meeting was good.
The same weekend, many of Mel
White’s groups listened to Falwell’s
Sunday sermon. Falwell, 66, began the
serviceby welcoming White andhis guests
and briefing his congregation on the antiviolence
forum conducted at the church
the day before. At that meeting, both sides
apologized for harsh words said over the
years and discussed ways to reduce
vio~lence against homosexualS.
¯" ’His sermon was amazang, said David
¯ Chandler, 36, a Gay man from San
: Francisco and one of the more than 4,000
: worshippers who jammed into Thomas
¯ Roads BaptistChurch. "Hesentamessage
: to parents to love their children no matter
." what.... I admire and respect Falwell for
¯ taking that stand." In his sermon, Falwell
¯
stressed that he will hot change his belief
¯ that homosexuality is a sin. But he added, ¯
"That has nothing to do with the love
: factor involved. We are to be lovers of all
menand women."Falwell’ s sermon came
¯" from Proverbs 13, which offers advice on
¯ successful living in the eyes of God. He
¯ spoke on the importance of working hard,
¯ living with integrity and not focusing on ¯
material things. He also talked at length
: about the importance of parents loving
: their children unconditionally.
¯ "For him to invite these fags here and
¯
into his church is an abomination,"Phelps
: said outside the church. "Now, Jerry
¯ Falwell is just as much a sinner as Mel ¯
White and both will bum in hell."
: Theservice endedwiththe congregation,
." singing the hymn "Only Trust Him.
¯ Falwell interrupted the song to reiterate to
: worshippers that what he or anyone else
: thought of them did not matter, but what
¯ was important is their relationship with
¯ God. White said it was "a shame" that
: protesters like Phelps brought hostility to
¯
aplace of worship. "What we have hereis
¯ a great moment for our country, Gays and
¯ Falwell worshipping together," White ¯
said. "It’s a small start, but it’s a start."
The Gift of Pride
In Honor of...
Or
In Memory of...
Someone Special to You.
For a small gift of $25.00, you can donate a beautiful Christmas poinsettia
to a local AIDS hospice. Your gifts will adorn the stage at"
"A Council Oak Christmas," November 19-20.
Call Today for COMC Carolers at Your Holiday Party!
To Order: Call COMC at (918) 748-3888
Medical
Excellence And
Compassionate
Care Since
1926.
¯ ST. JOHN MEDICAL CENTER
WJj Medical Excdlence ’ Compassionate Care
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal La w & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
RESTAURANT AT PHILBROOK
TUES-SUN, I I-2
$13.95 ¯ Sunday, II to2 ¯ Reservations, 748-5367
TOHR
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Home Holiday Tour
Saturday, December 11,noon- five o’clock
Several homes in historic Tulsa. Reception at the
Center tofollow. More info. after Dec. 1st. 743-4297
by Mary Schepers, Do-It- Yourself-Dyke
Hey, baby, it’ s coldoutside. Andbefore
you start heating it up in front of the
fireplace, take some precautions. Notjust
theustml ones, ducklings! Thehouseneeds
some love and attention,
too. And by attending to a
few simple details, not
only will your house o’
love be snug, but safer,
too. You know what a
raving bitch your DIYD
is about safety, but she
does it out of a place of
love. Which place, she
demurs to answer..
The first order of
business is to keep the
winter winds and drafts
outdoors where they
belong. Inthe oftrepeated
words of the Oracle, ’We
don’t have a heating
contract with the great
outdoors,’ although you
may feel that way when
you get the first heating
bill for the winter. And
the side benefit is that if
you can keep the house
warm, you won’t have to
bundle up, and neither
will your schnookie,
unless,ofcourse, youfred
the layers of sweats and
sweaters an erotic
challenge. From thereon,
you’re on your own!
Try to take care of your outside heat
sinks (places you lose heat) before the
weather dips to 45 degrees during the day.
Mostofthematerials you will useperform
better when it’s warm - that’s a life
philosophy worth adopting! Checkaround
windows and doors for loose or cracked
caulking and replace where needed.
Around pipes or conduits that enter the
house, use an expanding foam product
like Good Stuff or better yet, Daptex,
which can be tooled, painted and cleaned
up with water, It costs a little more but is
worth it. Use this also to seal any gaps
between your foundation and the siding of
your house. It’ s like mousse with attitude.
Work it, girl[ If you’re really hard core,
make a trip under the house and seM up
around the pipes coming up into your
house, and the same from the garage. This
also discourages unwanted visits from
mice, who use pipe and conduit holes like
a superhighway to the supermarket. And
darlings, there’s no way to make trapping
mice attractive. Think about it.
It is also a good idea to insulate behind
switch and wall outlet plates. Special foam.
cutouts can be bought at your local home
repair store, so that all you have to do is
unscrew the plate, fit the cutout in and
replace the plate. It is amazing how much
cold air leaks in that way, especially in
older houses. Occasionally, thefitbetween
the plate is too tight, but not often. The
foam cutouts are cheap and it takes little
time to do this.
Before firing up the furnace for the first
time, it is advisable to have a contractor
come and give it a gogd cleaning and
inspection - the older your unit, the more
important this step is. Most heating and
cooling contractors will do a combined
winterandsummerservice forareasonable
sum, resulting in increased efficiency and
¯ reduced chance of injury. Heater
¯ malfunctions can result in explosions or
¯
fires, and sweeties, we have worked so
¯¯ hard to make your house into a fabulous
home.- It’s worth your peace of mind and
personal safety. If you
have a fireplace, 6all a
licensed sweep to clean
thechimneyandto inspect
and repair the firebox and
flue: Your DIYD prefers
to do this in the spring,
when scheduling is less
hectic for the sweep, and
then the fireplace is ready
togo as soonas inspiration
and a little cool weather
hits. This should be an
annual event for masonry
fireplaces, and every two
years if you have a metal
flue.
If you’re the intrepid
sort who doesn’t mind
scampering out on the
roof like a rabid squirrel,
get a good extension
ladder and do some
maintenance and cleaning
on the roof..Be sure that
the ladder has firm, steady
footing and is not placed
near any powerlines. Get
a hose with a power
nozzle or a blower and
blast those gutters clean,
especially at the
downspouts. Clean any
; leaves, sticks or debris offthe valleys and
¯ gables of the roof, and look for any loose ¯
shingles. Use an appropriate kind of roof
¯ goo or caulking to repair, and use this also
¯ around any flueflashings thatmightbenefit
¯ from some extra sealant. This is a good
¯ time to evaluate if you will need to repair
¯ or replace your roof in the spring. Be
: careful up there, and never crawl around
¯ on the roof without having someone at
¯ home in case you need help or get hurt.
Make sure she or he is not glued to a ball
¯ game or otherwise out of contact. At a
¯ time like that, you deserve the extra ¯
attention, pookie!
~" This is a good time of year for a lube
¯ job, or perhaps several. No, we’re not
back in front of the fireplace with Baby
¯ justyet-patience,my impetuous darlings !
¯ Borrow Dorothy’ s oil can and put a drop
on door hinges and garage door chain
¯ drives to keep things smoothly operating
¯ and silent in the winter, when the metal ¯
¯ contracts and squeaks. You know your
DIYD considers the aesthetics as well as
¯ the practical matters.
If you have storm windows, give them
¯ a good cleaning to let in as much winter ¯
sunlight as possible, and check for any
necessary repairs. Ifyoudon’ t haveenergy
¯ efficient windows,consider getting ~torms
¯ or even using the heat shrink film to
¯
provide some dead air spacq on your
¯ windows and to keep your house toastier.
0 : Now that the DIYD has planned your
: social life for the next couple of weekends,
¯ you can get busy making your nest cozy
¯. and snuggly for the winter: And if you’re
¯ very lucky, perhaps you will get yourjust ¯
reward- and we’re not only talking about
." a lower bill! Why don’t you go get a
; couple pairs of silk boxer shorts,just to be
¯ prepared? Be hot, not frigid, this winter! ¯
Ciao, ducklings!
"This is a good tlme of
year for a lube job, or
perhaps several. No,
we’re not back in front
of the fireplace with
Baby just yet -
patience,
my impetuous darlings!
Borrow Dorothy’s oll
can and put a drop on
door hinges and garage
door ehaln drives to
keep things smoothly
operating and silent in
the wlnter, when the
metal contracts and
squeaks. You know
your DIYD eonslders "
the aesthetles as well as
the practleal matters."
by Esther Rothblum, Ph.D.
Coming out as a Lesbian is difficult
enough, but is even more stressful when
the woman is an
immigrant and is
struggling to come out in
anew countryand using a
new language.
For several years now,
Dr. Oliva Espin, a
professor of women’s
studies at SanDiego State
University, has been
studying the lives of
immigrant and refugee
Lesbians. The topic had
to do with her own life
experience as an.,
immigrant and with the
imm.!granteli.ents she was
seeing m her
psychotherapy practice
for over twenty years.
"I saw that there were
some experiences that
.were common to
immigrant women," Dr:
Espin .told me. "A major
theme I found most
interestingwashow often
the woman would be
talking to me in Spanish~
for example, and then
switch to English when
she began talking about
being a Lesbian. There
seemed to be something
about using a second
language that helped
distance Lesbians from
whatever they had been
told was bad in their
i also think that
women who have come
outas Lesbians when they
were still children, may
have more disruptions
about theirownidentity,"
Dr. Espin said. ’q’hey
ask ’who am I?’ or ’What is wrong with
me?’ For .them, coming out so young gets
mixedup with other issues ofidentity. For
girls who also fecl that they are not ’rexd
Americans,’ or who as immigrants are
different in color or in language or in
cultural traditions - being Lesbian is one
more thing that strains their relationship
with their parents."
Furthermore, the parents may feel that
their daughter’s Lesbianism is something
she has "caught from those Americans."
When immigrant Lesbians come out as
adults, they have a stronger sense of
identity and coming outdoes not getmixed
up with the turmoil of adolescence
although it may get mixed up with the
turmoil of migration if they are recent
immigrants.
Dr. Espin has been conducting research
and interviewing immigrant women. She
found two types of immigration
experiences. Some women were Lesbian
before the migration, or else where
somewhatdissatisfied with what they were
even if they had no language for this.
’~2oming to anew countrymadeitpossible
for them to come out. This is true for
women from all countries, not just those
from traditional cultures. Being awayfrom
the familiar environment gave them
permission to come out; being I_~sbian
Dr. Espln has
been.., interviewing
immigrant women...
"Coming to a new
country made it
possible [or them to
come out.
This is true for
women from all
countries, not just
those from
traditional cultures.
Being away from the
familiar environment
gave them
permission
to come out;
being Lesbian was
very freeing
in this way.
I’ve even spohen with
Lesbians born in the
U.S. who have told
me that they had to
move all the way
across the country in
order to come out."
was very freeing in this way. I’ve even
spoken with Lesbians born in the U.S.
who have told me that
they had to move all the
way across the country in
order to come out."
The other group of
women Dr. Espin
interviewed was actively
Lesbian in their home
country, immigrated to
the U.S., and found that
the U.S. Lesbian culture
was different and had to
adjust their way of being
to the new culture. That
was sometimes very
difficult. "Some women
who were used to playing
roles very actively," Dr.
Espin continued, "if they
were used to being ’the
man,’, they couldn’t
understand why their
partner did not want to
cook their meals, for
example. Or, vice versa,
women who lived lives
that were ve~ closeted in
their home countries,
foundit terribly offensive
when I would use the
word ’Lesbian’ and were
threatened by not having
a cover-up."
In general, Dr. Espin
has found that immigrant
communities focus very
much on the "decency"
and "purit.y" of the
women in their
community. "Because the
communities are
experiencing difficulty
adjusting to the U.S., they
want to prove that they
are good people. It is the
behavior of women that
describes the family. So
: when you have a Lesbian daughter, how
¯ are you going to explain that to yourself
: andto your community? They may think
: , that this is what happens to all women
¯ when they come to America."
Dr. Espin has also found that Lesbian
: daughters tend to be more educated than
: their parents or their heterosexual sisters.
¯ As a result, the Lesbian daughters tend to
: bemaking more money andin many cases
: runmng the community centers and
¯ activities. "So coming out is also difficult
: for the Lesbian immigrant in terms of the
: community losing their mast in her. The
community doesn’t have the language
skills, the education, and the access to the
dominant culture that she does."
Dr. Espin has written about her
experiences intwo recent books. Formore
information, see Women Crossing
Bbundaries: The Psychology of
Immigration and the Transformation of
Sexuality (Routledge, 1999) and Latina
Realities: Essays on Healing Migration
and Sexualities (Westview, 1997).
Esther Rothblum is Professor of
Psychology at the University of Vermont
and Editor of the Journal of Lesbian
Studies. She can be reached at Dewey
Hall, Univ. of Vermont, Burlington, VT,
email: esther.rothblum@uvm.edu.
Red Rock Tulsa
Free Confidential
HIV Testing
Walk-in Clinics
Tuesday Testing, 5 -8 pm
Pride Center, 1307 East 38th
Wednesday Testing, 5-8 pm
Red Rock, 1724 East 8th
Daytime appointments available.
Call for more information:
918-584-2325
Church
of the Restoration
Unitarian Universalist
11 am, Sunday
1314 North Greenwood
587-1314
We knowyou’re
going to love this[
Restaurant & Cabaret
3 i 0 East First Street
918-599-9949
Massage Therapy Services
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
Want to get involved?
Need to get
tested for HIV?
Need a
Coming Out Support
Group?
Call
743-GAYS (4297)
Tulsa Gay
Community
Services
Center
i307 E. 38th
at Peoria, 2nd floor
Country Club
Barbering
Custom Styling
for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236
Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pm
IGTA member
Call 341.6866
International
Toursformoreinformation.
Red Rock Tulsa
O’RYAN
Oklahoma Rainbow
Young Adult Network
Outreach Program Thurs. Nights
’ Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment
Call for meeting times and place:
918-584-2325
AUTHENTIC FRESH
1TALIAN RAJNBOW
CUSINE TROUT
ofEureka Springs.
Voted Number One in Arkansas!
(501) 253-6807, Closed Wednesday
5 Center Street, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
TOM NEAL
BUILDING
&
GARDEN
DESIGN
583- 1248
eeze
FRESH CLAMS VEI;IE STIR FRY COtaUILE ST. JAI;IUES
MAHI-MAHI RACKOF LAMB CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE
Compatibility
reports
for you
and
your
friends
or
lovers.
59%0717
Gay Owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud
Gay Mecca of the Ozarks
Beautiful Eureka Springs, Arkansas
at the time of the assault. A Circuit Court
jury in northwestIreland deliberated about
two hours before finding 20-year-old Ian
Monaghan and 21-year-old Glen Mahon,
both ofSligo, guilty of "recklessly causing
serious harm" in the Jan. 31 attack on
Robert Drake, at his apartment. The
defendants were convicP,xlofIrishcharges
equivalent to aggravated assault in the
U.S.
Barely conscious, Drake lay for more
than 12 hours in a pool of blood before a
friend, Ciaran Slevin, discovered him. A
police officerwhorecordedDrake’s words
as he lay motionless inhis blood-spattered
kitchen with a severe head injury told the
jury that he believed he was recording
Drake’s "dying declaration."
Thedefensecontended thatDrakemade
acrudehomosexual pass atone ofthemen
and that the other then struck Drake in the
face to make him stop.
Doctors had to open a hole in his
windpipe to ease his breathing; he also
experienced pneumonia, kidney failure
and other complications. Drake returned
to Philadelphia by medical transport in
March to undergo five months of
rehabilitation to learn to walk and speak
again. Though he was released from the
hospital two weeks ago, his speech and
mobility remain seriously impaired. He
uses a wheelchair to get around, and a
letter board to assist in communicating.
Drake was in the middle of a speechtherapy
session at his Center City
apartment when word of the verdict
reached him. Through a friend, he said
that he was pleased with the verdict, ’"out
not surprised."
Monaghan and Mahon are free on bail
awaiting sentencing Jan. 10, when they
could get up to 10 years in jail. "It speaks
volumes that Robert, eight months after
¯ theincident, needs round-the-clock care,"
said Slevin, an Irish physician now living
with Drake in philadelphia. "I hope the
severity of the punishment meets the
severity of the crime."
Brattleboro Offers
Partners Benefits
BRATI’LEBORO, Vt. (AP) - Selectmen
have voted to extend health benefits to
same-sex domestic partners of town
employees. TownAttorney Robert Fisher
said the decision to extend the privileges
to same-sex parmers, but not unmarried
partners of the opposite sex, followed the
trend of law in Vermont and other states.
The University of Vermont extends
benefits to same-sex couples, Fisher said.
The city of Winooski is planning to as
well after an employee filed a complaint
with the Vermont Labor Relations Board.
"Winooski hasn’t come out with a policy
just yet," Fisher added. "They’re still
researching insurance issues. But if they
don’t follow the arbitrator’s decision,
they’ll likely wind up back in court."
He said Burlington, Vermont’s largest
city, extends health benefits to all the
domestic partners of city employees,
whether the rdationship is same-sex or
opposite sex. The town of Middlebury
also offers benefits to same-sex couples,
said Steve Jeffrey, the executive director
of- the Vermont League of Cities and
Towns.
TheVermontSupremeCourtis deciding
whether to legalize same-sex marriages in
Vermont. If it does, the towns’ policies
: will be irrelevant, Fisher said. The policy
: passed tmanimously. The issue wasn’t
¯¯ controversial, Fisher said. "It’s one of
these things where they’re wiseenough to
¯ realize that if there were a grievance with
¯ respect to this sort of an issue, that based
: on the case law both around the country
¯ -and the Labor Relations Board here in
¯ Vermont, that they would be fighting an
: uphill legal battle," Fisher said of the
: select board. "I think they look at it as an
¯ opportunity to perhaps steer clear of
¯ possible legal pitfalls in the future."
" Blue Cross-Blue Shidd of Vermont,
: which supplies health insurance to most
Vermont municipalities through the
¯ VermontLeagueofCities andTowns,has
: offered domestic partner benefits to large
¯ groups for a few years now, said Leigh
Tofferi, a company spokesman. Those
benefits were available to same-sex and
different-sex partners.
Lesbian & Gay
Seniors Sought
: BOSTON (AP) - Targeting an older
: generation open about its sexuality and
¯ thinking about its golden years, some
developer~ are looking to build Gay-
" friendly retirement communities.
: "We want to create something that
¯ mirrors the life they’re living now," said
¯ BoSton real estate agent John Goode, part
¯ of9gr°up planning .an urban homosexual
¯ reUrement commumty in Boston.
~ In generations past, societal pressures
¯ forced many Gays and Lesbians to keep ¯
their sexual orientations under wraps.
: Today,developers think those who helped
¯ pave the wayfor vibrantGay communities
¯ will want to continue living in Gay
¯ communities after retirement.
¯ "In the mainstream aging community,
there is the assumption that everyone is
¯ straight," said Terry Kaelber, executive
¯ director of the New York-based Seniors
Active in a Gay Environment. ’’We have
: a place that does not assume that. In fact,
¯ it assumes that old people can be attracted
: to old people of the same gender."
¯ Kaelber’s group is working with a real
estate development company to locate a
¯ site and investors for a 100-unit, mixed-
: income assisted living facility. Current
options for Gay- and Lesbian-themed
¯ retirement housing consist primarily of a
¯ handful of mobile home parks and small
¯ resorts in Florida and Arizona.
Goode’s group of seven partners wants
¯ to build a 75- to 100-unit retirement
community somewhere in Boston. The
project, called Stonewall Communities,
¯ is named after aGay bar inNew York City
¯ where a 1969 police raid sparked what
many say is the begimfing of the modem
¯ Gay civil rights movement. ¯
Other entrepreneurs across the country
¯ also have begun thinking about how the
¯ Gay and Lesbian baby boomers pushing
¯ into their 50s will want to spend their ¯
retirement years. "I’m looking for the
¯ active retirement market," said Peter
Lundberg of San Francisco, who is trying
to round up capital to build a Gay
¯ retirement community in California.
¯ Gay retirement housing options will
: likelyincreasedramaticallyinthecoming
¯ years, said Laura Connolly, who chairs
¯ theLesbianandGayAgingIssues Network
¯ for the San Francisco-based American
¯ Society on Aging. "I think it will grow ¯
over the years," slie said. "They will be in
¯ a variety ofconfigurations, from the more
: affordable trailer park options on upto the
¯ more upscale and expensive models."
How did the story develop?
PB: Many years ago whilereading "Son
of the Morning Start’ I was struck by what
we all may have lost by the greed and ego
of relatively few men. I wasn’t so much
taken by Native history as I was the belief
system behind the firstpeople of.this land.
JC: One of the things that struck me
while viewing the show was that this was
much more than a show, this was a ritual,
what theatre started out as. And ritual
that worked successfully to bridge past
andpresent.
PB: I alsoknew thatmostpeople (myself
included) thought of Indian history asjust
that.., history, museum pieces etc. So it
was important to do a couple of things.
Bring the culture into the present and
future tense. And incorporate a mythical
story about aman"sjourney tofindhimself.
By understanding his past - better
understanding his role in this life. I was
hoping to bridge worlds for people on
both sides. Wemight be able to accept, as
_ opposed to feel guilty or angry. And if we
can get to acceptance, we can progress to
learning.
JC: I like that philosophy
PB: A hundred years ago people sang
the Ghost Dance songs in the hopes that
the world would return to the way it once
was. Now, the choir in some of the Spirit
songs are singing those very same words
in hopes that the world can become, what
it could be.
JC: What a lovely vtsion.
PB: Pretty lofty goals., but hey,
somebody’s got to try.
JC: !’d say, from what l’ve seen and
heard, you’ve succeeded admirably.
Before I wear out my welcome, one last
question: What inspired you to utilize
Native American music in 3,our works ?
PB: To me, almost all Native tribes on
may land have the true connection and
understanding of that land. Here, not only
can we learn things about how we fit into
the fabric of the physical world through
Native American culture. But we can also
learn a thing or two about the spiritual
world.
PB: I’m really glad that you hear the
music staying true to the ancient as well as
the modem. The show (and the music)
can’t work any other way. It’s where the
two worlds combine that the magic
happens.
JC: That is so true. in more ways than
one. It’s a dzfficult balance, and rarely
have I heard it done so well.
PB: If you liked the video, I’m sure
you’ll love the live version!
JC: Having seen the video and the
impact it had on people, 1 can barely
begin to imagine the effect ofseeing it live.
I can’t wait. Thank you, Mr. Buffett.
© 1999J. Christjohn, all fights reserved
A unique opportunity to view and
purchase art works and hand crafts from
local women artists occurs Nov. 5 - 6.
Hosted by local artists Kathleen
Pendergrass andMary Schepers, the show
and sale will also highlight works by
Susan Norris, Robin Dunn, Donna
Richardson, Cara Liggett, Nicolasa
Kuster, Gayla Norman and others.
"We want to showcase the incredible
talent that we have in the Tulsa area,"
Schepers said. "There ’are a lot of very
talented artisans here who are not
represented in galleries or who are just
starting their careers. We’re having the
show at my house and studio to keep the
whole setting fun and relaxed, as well as
making these exciting works accessible to
a broad audience.
’~lt’s a good time to consider buying a
special gift for the significant people in
~our life, or for adding an original piece of
art to your own home, or even for buying
something practical likehath salts, candles,
display cases or smudges. Prices are
reasonable, especially compared to the
premiums paid for works shown in
galleries or higher priced venues such as
Eureka Springs. We’ll have clayworks
and sculptures, paintings, etchings, and
many other fun items."
The preview for the show is Friday,
Nov. 5 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The
show and sale continues Saturday Nov. 6 .
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pro. The address
is2727E. 56thSt. (51sttoColumbiaAve,
South on Columbia to 56th St) in Tulsa.
For details or directions, please call Mary
at 743-6740.
The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance
Company, an Israeli arts group will present
....Aide Memoire"," a full-length
contemporary dance by renowned
choreographer and KCDC Artistic
Director Rami Be’er at the at Tulsa
Performing Arts Center’ s Chapman Music
Hall on November 16 at 8 pm. Tickets are
$15, $22, and $25 with discoants for
groups of 10 ormore and student discounts
at the door (call (918) 596-711 lot order
online: www.tulsapac.com).
Choreographer Rami Be’er states that
....Aide Memoire.... is not about the
Holocaust nor does it describe the
Holocaust; it deals neither with
documentation nor a historical account.
Rather, "Aide Memoire" introduces the
maaner in which the remembrance of the
Holocaust can be approfiched and
expressed in an inspired, artistic medimn.
The subject of Holocaust remembrance is
relevant to present-day life and reality as
it lurks in the background of mundane
existence, penetrates deep
subconsciousness, and dwells forever in
personal and collective memories.
"’Aide Memoire" presents the audience
with a sequence of scenes moving about
the stage just like a cinematic flashback.
Theproduction conveys afleeting glimpse
of images which.the audience must face in
a lfighly personal manner. The audience
has ne alternative but to use its senses to
impart meaning to the images. "Aide
Memoire" has no central narrative, nor do
two opposing sides face each other.
Cruel stormtroopers are absent, yet there
exists a reminder of the struggle by those
who were there and experienced those
atrocities firsthand. Within this conflict,
we observe their efforts to continue the
fabric of human relationships, whether as
: individuals, couples or xn groups, and to
express the fundamental right of every
¯ person to continue to dream.
Be’er joined Kibbutz Contemporary
: Dance Company in 1981 as a dancer and
¯ choreographer. His works have won
¯ several international awards and have
~-become the trademark of KCDC’s
: repertoire. He became the company’s
Artistic Director in 1996.
¯ The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance
: Company was founded in 1970 by
_" Holocaust survivor Yehudit Arnon.
: Although based in Kibbutz Ga’aton near
¯ the Lebanese border, see Dance, p. 15
use code 393
~eqaDhone does noI presereen sal[ers & assumes rio liability for personal meetings. 24hr Customer Service. 18+ only. © 1999 PC
Sprint PCS"
The Glear Alternative to Cellular
Serint PC$" Select Retailer
;9935
:25.oo
$74.95
New Sprint PCS Phone
Less instore rebate "
Net cost
Buy any Sprint PCS Phone and
get S25 off!* Everyone is approved!
:~,.o~,,,,,: ,~.,,,~.;.,.~,.:,oc,.,,,¢., All Sprint PCS service plans include:
¯ Free Voicemail ¯ Free Caller ID
phonesistartingat. ¯ Free. Call Waiting¯ Free 3 way calling
................ ¯ No activation, fee o No contract required
¯ 100% Sprint PCS Nationwide Network.
Tulsa Locations:
2001 S. Garnett, 437-2444
3733 S. Memorial, 6600344
1216 S. Harvard, 587-1778
Sapuipa Location:
109 N. Mission, 227-2322
They’re ready and waiting...a// you have
to do is pick up the phone!
Use Free Code 5555
-5995 @Origin. 18+. Additional features from 55c/rain. Call 800-440-8050.
Call to meet
local guys tonight!.
ecord
&
Lis n
it’s not surprising that this is the case,"
said Dr. Helene Gayle, director of the
CDC’s National CenterforHIV, STDand
TB Prevention.
AIDS experts say injection drug use is
commonly perceived as a major factor in
the spread ofAIDS among Blacks, but sex
is the primary method of transmission.
They say bisexual behavior among Gay
Black men who feel pressured to have sex
with women accounts for a significant
number of the infections among
heterosexuals.
Black preachers and politicians have
been criticized for letting the problem go
unaddressed. "Black communities have
been so overburdened that the idea of
adopting another burden is not appealing,"
said Cornelius Baker, executive director
of the National Association of People
with AIDS.
Slowly, leaders say, more attention is
being focused on the issue. Earlier this
month, Black churches in Atlantagathered
for the first National Black Church HIV/
AIDS Institute. Thegathering was an effort
to help pastors learn how to deal with the
disease.
Last Thursday, faith leaders, policy
makers, commumty activists and AIDS
researchers met in Atlanta to discuss
combating AIDS among Blacks. On the
same day, the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People,
announced a series of educational films
aimed at raising HIV awareness.
The CDC has also awarded $39 million
in federal funds to 100 national, state and
local organizations to help prevent HIV
infections in minority communities. "We
must mount prevention and treatment
strategies that deal with people where
they are now, not where we want them to
be or where we imagine them to be," said
Phill Wilson, director of the AIDS Social
Policy Archive.
Nonetheless, the statistics continue to
upset AIDS activist Denise Stokes, who
has been HIV-positive fo~ 17 years. "One
day, this is ultimately where I’m going to
end up," she said pointing to the quilt.
"I’m going to be a panel on some wall in
some library. "I just hope the library isn’t
full of people with AIDS."
A lot of straight folk are going to go into
this thinking it’s aboutbeating otherpeople
up, and come out thinking about a lot of
things.
Some of you, due to the timing of the
paper will have seen it - don’t ruin the
ending for those that haven’t. And if you
haven’t seen it because you don’t think
it"s your kind of movie, go see it. You’ll
be surprised. Brad Pitt’s bod is well worth
seeing. Amd since I work in a football
sized building filled with cubicles, I could
relate well to Ed Norton’s plight in the
beginning of the film- living life to support
things he’s bought, working in a mindless
dronin.gnumbness of cubicality. Anyway,
go see It.
Oh yeah, Helena Bonham Carter turns
in a magnificent performance as well. I
kept wondering why her character was
sleeping with guys, though.
In the interest of a public service
announcement, I will pass this along:
Warrior Way Martial Arts is offering a 3
hour class on selfdefense againstpunches,
kicks, and grab attacks; knife and gun
attacks; and club attacks. This takes place
on Saturday, November 13 from 12 - 3
PM at Warrior Way martial Arts, 2717 S.
Memorial. The cost is $25 in advance;
$35 after Nov. 6. Call to register at 664-
9100.
These guys are serious and know their
stuff, and with the violence against Gay
folk on the rise, I think everyone should
make an investment in something like
this. Knowledge is power, and in this case
could mean the difference between life
and death. Literally. Learn, and practice
what you learn, and stay safe.
And my final words for this column:
life is notabout surviving orjobs orl’mding
love, although it’s nice if it happens. It’s
about facing fears and making dreams
come true, struggling against yourselfand
others to find your strength and make
things happen. Being ready, and in the
right place and time for opportunity to
strike is important. Butifyou’re notready,
or are afraid, it will pass youby before you
know it, and that’s when regret sets in,
which leads to bitterness. So try all the
things you can, and do all the things you
wanted to do - and it’s never too late.
- James Christjohn
its members come from settlements all
over Israel. The dancers rehearse five
days a week at Ga’aton Studio, but on
weekends return home to work on their
various kibbutzim. Not only is KCDCone
of Israel’s foremost companies, it has also
earned an international reputation of
renown and is invited to perform at
numerous festivals worldwide.
Kibbutz Contemporary Dance is copresented
by the Oklahoma Israel
Exchange. Sponsors for this event include
the Oklahoma Arts Council, Heartland
Arts Fund. The National Endowment for
the Arts, Schustennan Family Foundation,
KCFM 94.1 and ONEOK Foundation.
Opponents fear it will eventually lead to
Gay couples being able to adopt children,
although the government has opposed any
such move.
Last November, parliament rejected a
conservative bid to sink the controversial
bill. At the time, left-wingers said PACS
was needed to adapt outdated laws to the
evolution of French society, where
marriage is on the decline.
Classifieds - how to work them:
First 30 words are $10. Each additional word is
25 cents. Options for your ad:
Bold headline - $1, ali capital letters -
$1, all bold & capital letters - $2. ad in
box - $2, Ad reversed - $3. tear sheet
mailed - $2 Blind P.O. Box - $5
Please type or print your ad. Count the words -
word is a group of letters or numbers separated by
a space. TFN reserves the fight to edit or refuse any
ad. No refunds. Send ad & payment to POB 4140,
Tulsa. OK 74159 with your name, address, telephone.
Ads will run in the next issue after receipt.
¯ For Good Home
Friendly, honest, & very experienced
7 42 year young realtor seeks sincere &motivated
." buyers &sellers. Into MLS. You won’t be
¯ disappointed. 712-2252 or 745-2245
~ John Kirk. Keller Williams Realty
u’ll glad
Closing Costs
on Home
ity loans!
www.t:~mk, ~t;, ~kl~l:, rata.c,. :m. I t:s easy
apply
Apply At
Any Branch
Or Call Us
24 Hours A Day
At 588-6010
Or Apply Online At
www.bankofoklahoma.com
BANK .OF
OKI~HONIA~.~.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
newspaper
periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[1999] Tulsa Family News, November 1999; Volume 6, Issue 11
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities.
Description
An account of the resource
Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9).
The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level.
This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Family News
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Tom Neal
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
November 1999
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Bob Rounsavell
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
Relation
A related resource
Tulsa Family News, October 1999; Volume 6, Issue 10
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
PDF
Online text
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
newspaper
periodical
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/593
1999
AIDS
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Asia
Bars
Boy Scouts
businesses
children
churches
civil union
Colorado
Community Center
couples registry
Dave Fleischer
Denver
Do-It-Yourself Dyke
Domestic Partnership
Dyke Psyche
Esther Rothblum
Ferocious Romance
France
gay bashing
Greg Louganis
hate mail
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
HIV
homophobia
James ChrstJohn
Jerry Falwell
Jim Christjohn
Kathleen Pendergrass
Magic Johnson
marriage
marriage equality
Mary Shepers
Matthew Shephard
Millenium March
Mount Zion Baptist Church
Murder
NAMES Project
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Native Americans
partner and marriage rights
Partner Benefits
People Living With AIDS
performing arts
Peter Buffet
Read All About It
Recycling
religion
restaurants
seniors
South Africa
That Entertainment Guy
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Public Schools
Two-Spirited Indian Men's Support Group
World AIDS day
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/720496a377bccd13c6fb428da9276de3.jpg
6e3a2c10512312879ac3bf406c137ebd
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e3a834ef864d1accd5ea57b69700278e.pdf
4764679f2a18d394d6c619b8615600cc
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Friends RallyAround
Accused Musician
District Attorney Suspected of Bias
by Tom Neal, editor &publisher
Around Tulsa’ s Gay community, the reaction is one
of dismay and disbelief at the allegations of indecent
exposure made against musician and chorale leader,
Rick Fortner.
According to a Dec. 3rd Tulsa Worm story, a 16 year
old man has accused Former of masturbating in front of
him in a sauna of All-American Fitness Center in
Broken Arrow. A spokesperson for the Broken Arrow
p01icenoted that themanand Former were the only ones
in the sauna.
Friends and acquaintances notethat F,grmermaintains
his innocence, and have stated their suplJort for Former.
Mitchell Savage, spokesperson for the Council Oak
Mens Chorale (COMC) for which Former is music
director, said that the board of directors of the
organization has voted to express its support for Former
and their belief that his innocence will be established.
- TheCOMCboardposition was endorsedby the group’ s
general membership also. Savage added that he has
been acquainted for 15 years see Fortner, p. 10
Anti-Gay Harassment
Alleged in Public Schools
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
Tulsa’s Largest Circulation Community PaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
V rmont Marriage Victory
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - By the time Nina Beck and " previously said he would support Gay mamage,
¯ Stacy Jolles got the news, it seemed like everyone already knew:
¯¯ The Vermont Supreme Court had issued its long-awaited ruling
on Gay marriage. They had won.
¯
The court ruled unanimously that Gay and Lesbian couples in
¯ Vermont should enjoy all benefits and privileges afforded to
¯ heterosexual couples who can legally marry. It is the first court
: in the nation to make such a sweeping ruling on the question.
’ But the justices split on whether it should amount to marriage.
¯ Onejustice splitfrom themajority’ s view that the state Legislature
¯ should decide whether Gays and’Lesbians should actually be ¯
allbwed to marry or shouldbe given domesticpartnership benefits
¯ equivalent to heterosexual marriage.
The split was of no immediate concern to Beck and Jolles and
¯ the other two couples who sued in 1997 when their town clerks
denied them marriage licenses. "It’s just fantastic this decision
¯" could come following his birth," Beck said as Jolles stood
¯ alongside her holding their month-old son Seth.
The issue now will be the subject of debate before the
: Legislature, which convenes on Janl 4. "I think the court has
¯ broken all barriers by dearly riding that we have a class of
¯ individuals in Vermont who are being denied their rights and I
thinkit is the Legislature’ s responsibility to correct that injustice ,"
¯
said Peter Shumlin, Senate president pro tern.
¯ But the question will be how. Should Vermont statutes be
¯ amended to permit two men or two women to marry? Should a
¯ domestic partners registry be established for Gay couples to
¯ record their relationships and therefore qualify for the benefits
¯ now accorded heterosexual mamed couples?
¯ "I think it’ s going to take a couple ofweeks, anyway, forpeople ¯
tounderstand what this means," said Rep. Thomas Little, chairman
¯ of the House Judiciary Committee. "Everyone wants to have a
: virtually immediate informed reaction to it, but I think it takes
¯ longer than.that."
: Gov. Howard Dean said same-sex marriage "makes me
¯ uncomfortable, the same as anybody else." He predicted the
¯ Legislature would comply with the court decision by enacting a
¯ domestic partners law rather than making marriage legal for
: same-sex couples. House Speaker~Michael Obuchowski, who
¯ Evergreen Awards Recognize
i Beal, Campbell, and Others
TULSA -Allegations of anti-Gay harassment have
risen at two Tulsa high schools. On two campuses,
teachers contend that they and some students have been
singled out for inappropriate attention.
While Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) does have a nondiscrimination
policywhich TPS’s attorney interprets
as protecting Gay teachers, staff and students from
discrimination, that policy does not explicitly ban
discrimination based on sexual orientation. It
"The Board is committed-to-the concept of
nondiscrimination in relation to race, religion, sex, age
national origin, handicap and other human differences.
This policy will prevail in al matter concermng staff,
students and the public." However, in the interests of
protecting these teachers from possible further
harassment, their names are being withheld.
One teacher, who is active in a local Gay mens’
singing group, was called into his principal’ s oftrme and
was shown a copy of the group’ s concert program. His
participation in the group was highlighted with a
- comment, -*’is -this~ legal .w’ Another teacherwhohelps,
With a support group for Gay kids. had a self-identified
"Christian" fundamentalist teack-zr attending support
group meetings andthe teacher whodoes notidentify as
Gay but as Gay-friendly felt there was an intent to
identify her as Gay and therefore to threaten her job.
Andatonecampus;twoyoungwomenwere suspended
for a public display of affectkm. A Gay teacher and
other students whb were familiar with the incident
claim that the two women were not behaving with any
less discretion than heterosexual students use in the
same circumstances, They do claim that the
administration response w~:much more harsh than for
heterosexuals. However,~ TPS spokesperson, Tiffany.
Bruton responded to TFN inquiries, saying that the
students’ conduct was well beyond socially acceptable
behavior even for heterosexuals. The students involved
did not respond to TFN requests for an interview.
TULSA - The 1999 Evergreen Awards recognized the work of
a number of Tulsans involved in HIV/AIDS issues. Prominent
among these were Dr. Jeffrey Beal and his parmer Ted Campbell
for their years of service as Tulsa’s principal physician treating
HIV and AIDS related illness and for Campbell’s mental health
practice around those issues.
The lunch ceremony was held at the offices of the Community
Service Council (CSC) on Dec. 7th, and opened with a remarks
Ted Campbell & Dr. Jeffrey Beal
by ~chael Conley of Tulsa CARF~, Melanie Speetor of Tulsa
’County Health Dept. and John Hawk Cocke of Indian Health
Services.
Presenters and the recipients of the awards included many of
Tulsa’ s most prominent activist/workers around HIV/AIDS care
and prevention. Sharon Thoele, exeentive director of Tulsa
CARES, Erie Ramirez of Planned Parenthood, Kathy Bird of
RegionalAIDS Interfaith Network, Tulsa officewere afew of the
presenters andrecipients included videographerAllisonCosslett,
Wendy Weisberg, Audra Sommers for her fundraising work,
Kay Rollins for NAMES PROJEC~ leadership, and Jeremy
Simmons for prevention education.
The Evergreen Awards are presented by the Tulsa AIDS
Coalition which was introduced at this event by Tim Gillean and
represented by CSC staffer, Janice Nicklas.
: said politics might prevent that. "What I’m hearing
¯ from my colleagues is that they’re saying that ¯ domestic partnership is amorepolitically attainable
situation and I think I’d have to agree with that
¯ analysis,"saidObuchowski,aDemocratlikeDean.
¯ Thoughthey were ecstatic, the three couples who
sued will hold off on their celebrations until they
¯ get an opportunity actually to say their vows in a ¯ wedding ceremony. "I think the acttml celebration
¯ will be when we get married," said Stan Baker,
standing withhis armaround partner Peter Harrigan.
Winnie Stachelberg, Political Director with the
¯ Human Rights Campaign, one national Gay
¯ organization noted,"we are thrilled that the Vermont
¯ Supreme Court had the wisdom and courage to
hand down this historic, landmark decision. There
¯ has never been a logical or justifiable reason to
exclude same-sex couples from marrying, and
¯ decision validates the unfairness of exclusion. This ¯
is a tremendous victory forGay and Lesbian couples
¯ in Vermont who are now one-step closer to being
¯ considered equal in the eyes of the law."
¯ Paula Ettelbrick, attorney and Family Policy Director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task
¯: Force Policy Institute said, "the court’s decision is
unique in that it commands that the state give samesex
couples every benefit and protection that
: currently provides to married couples."
¯ "However, bystopping short offully recognizing
: the freedom to marry, the court has opened the door
¯ to complete equality but has not constitutionally
¯ guaranteed it. Now the batde progresses to the
: Vermont Legislature," Ettelbrick continued. "We
¯ have the opportunity as a community to convince
lawmakers to provide the full badge of citizenship
¯ by recognizing the freedom to marry."
¯ Ettelbrick noted that Vermont is a logical state to
¯ become the first see Vermont, p. 12
New Leather Contest
TULSA- Ric Poston, Oklahoma Mr Leather 1999
and his partner James Murray _Mr Tulsa Leather
1997 have announced they are producing a new
leather contest, Mr. Sooner State Leather. The
contest will be a preliminary event to the StateTitle
of "Oklahoma Mr Leather" and is open to any
Oklahoma resident.
This first event will be held in Oklahoma City on
the weekend of April 21 - 23, 2000 and any profits
from the contest will benefit the Leather Archives
and Museum in Chicago.. The event will provide
education and information about the community,
"demonstrations," opportunities for brotherhood, a
brunchonSunday,andthe contestitselfon Saturday
night April 22, 2000.
Judges for the contest .will be Dave Rhodes,
owner and editor of The Leather Journal, Terrell
Brown, Oklahoma Mr Leather 2000, Oklahoma
Drummer2000 (to be announcedin February 2000),
and Michael Vrooman, the current International
Miss Gay Rodeo and a former International Mr ~sayRodeo,MarkMalonInternational Mr. Leather,
tRunnerUp-t997;and alternatejudge, Ed Smith
who is an avid supportor of local and nadonal
Leather and Drummer events.
The contest will be held at the Habana Inn,
Oklahoma’s all Gay hotel and bar complex. For
reservations (be sure to mention the contest for
special rates), contact the Habana Inn, 2200
Northwest39thExpressway, OklahomaCity,73112
1-800-988-2221, www.habanainn.com. For any
furtherinformation about the contest, applications,
and weekend packages contact:
ms.oonerstatelthr@aol.com.
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
*The Mix, 2630 E. 15th
*Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s .Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
*The Storm, 2182 S. Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
712-2324
610-5323
583-6666
749-4511
749-1563
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
835-2376
585-3405
*TNT’s, 2114S..Memorial 660-0856
*Tool Box,. 1338. E, .3rd o 584-1308
Tulsa Businesses, Services, &:Pr~fe~si6nais
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular 747-1508
*Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71
*Barnes &Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41.
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria
743-1000 :
747:9506 :
250-5034-,"
665-4580 ¯
712-1122 "
712-9955" 2
494-2665 ~
743-5272 ¯
746,0313 :
Cherry St: Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby..Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
*Devena’s Gallery, 13 Brady
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
*Ross Edward Salon ,~,: 584-0337,
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1.
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr.
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
Learme M: Gross, Insurance & financial planning
Mark T: Hamby,.At.tomey ¯ ..
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E Skelly
*International Tours
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th_
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th
David Kanskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living Al"tSpace, 19 E. Brady
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning
587-2611
744-5556
838-8503 -
712-9379
592-0460
744-9595
610-0880
628-3709
808-8026
742-1460
459-9349
744-7440
745-1111
341-6866
712-2750
582-3018
747-0236
582-8460
599-8070
747-5466
585-1234
584-3112
663-5934
664-2951
838-7626
743-4297
747-5932
834-0617
834-7921,747-4746
749-6301
260-7829
481-0558
835-5563
743- 1733
665-2222
592-0767
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square
Paul Tay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
Tulsa Agencies~ Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 741-0L .... 579-9593
All Sods Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
*B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616-S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman. Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th PI. & Florence
*ChurchoftheRestorationUU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314
*Community ofHope United Methodist, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters,3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74!70-1475 355-3 t40
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free SpiritWomen’ s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
"
.
"
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal " "
Writers + contributors: ¯
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lament "
Lindstrom, Bob Rounsavell, Esther Rothblum. Mary Schepers
~dember o! The AssociatedPress ...........
Issued on or before the 1st of each month, the entire contents -"
:of this publication are protected by :US copyright 1998 by
Nta, and may not be repr-oduced either.in :
whole orinpar~withoutwrittenpermission from thepublisher.
Publicationof a name or photo does not indicate a pers0n’s .
.sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for :
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed’& be: "
comes:the ~ole property ofT,J Eachreaaer "
~s entitled :to 4 copies of each editton at distribution ",
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542,74101 582-0438 ¯
¯HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
¯Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194 "
¯Holland Hall School,5666 E. 81st 481-1111 :
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378 ¯
¯House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood :
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438=2437, 800-284-2437 "
¯MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 ."
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral PI. 748-3111 ¯
NOW, Nat’lOrg. for Women; POB 14068,74159 365-5658 "
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
¯OSU-TUlsa °
PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901 ¯
¯Planned Parenthood~ 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 ’
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
.*R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
¯Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 " 584,2325
O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults :
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth
St. Aidan’ s Episcopal Church, 4045 N.Cincinnati 425-7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140 "
¯St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088 "
¯Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583=7171
¯TNAAPP (Native AmeriCan men), Indian Health Care 582-7225 "
Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105 :
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only :
TulsaOkla.forHumanRights,c/oThePrideCenter 743-4297 :
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827 ¯
¯Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
¯Tulsa Community College Campuses ,"
¯TulsaGay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE ¯
¯Bardesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337=5353 ¯
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN ."
¯Borders Books &Music, 3209 NWExpressway 405-848-2667 -"
¯Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907 ¯
TAHLEQUAH "
¯Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456=7900 "
¯Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900 :
¯Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360 :
¯ NS.U School of Optometry, 1001.N, Grand.........:
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates "
¯¯ EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23
¯
*Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main
¯ DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. ¯
¯ Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
: Geekto Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429
¯ Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery ¯
¯ Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East
: White Light, 1 Center St.
." JOPLIN, MISSOURI
¯ *Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
* is where you can find TFN. Not all are Gay-owned butall are Gay-friendly.
501-253-7734 ,"
501-253-7457 ¯
501-253-6807 ¯
501-253-5445 "
501-253-9337 "
501-253-2776 "
501-253-5332 ¯
501-624-6646 "
501-253-6001 -’.
501-253-4074 "
417-623-4696 "
It’s Elementary + more...
December 22, 1999
On the heels of a tremendously
successful campaign togetIt "sElementary
aired on public television, we are thrilled~
to announce our new media series for
kids. We are writing to you today to tell
you a little about the project and to ask for
yo~help: .W.e.hopeyo.u’!l eonside.rm.~king
a year-end contribution toward its
completion and distribution.
We’ve been asked repeatedly by It’s
Elementaryfans, "When are you going to
make sombthing we can show to kids?""
.Finally wehave an answer -- THAT’S A.
FAMILY! -- a video for elementary
school children about family diversity.
To learn more about THAT’S A
FAMILY! and to make a donation to
ensure its successful completion, please
read the rest of this email, or go to:
http:.//www.womedia.org/support.html
on the internet.
THAT’S A FAMILY! is the first video
in our. long-awaited media series for
children, "Respect for All." THAT’S A
FAMILY! introduces children to different
kinds of families, while the second and
third videos~in the series center on
dispelling Gay and Lesbian stereotypes
and confronting anti-Gay name-calling.
In THAT’S.A FAMILY! you’ll meet
children’ who were adopted; are
multiracial; haveparents whoare divorced;
are being raised by step-parents, single
morns or dads, or by grandparents and
guardians. There also are children with
Gay dads or Lesbian morns, and their
stories are intertwined with those of the
other families.
THAT’S A FAMILY! is scheduled for
release in the spring of 2000. It has the
potential to reach hundreds of thousands
of children, giving elementary schools a
truly inclusive, respectful teaching tool
that children will love to watch. Wehave
no doubt that the long-term impact of this
project will be tremendous. Giving
elementary school students the opportunity
to hear the words "Gay" and "Lesbian"
described in a matter-of-fact way by their
peers, and experience Gay and Lesbian
families inthe contextofsuchanincredibly
diverse group of other families, could
have a profound effect on their values and
behavior for the rest of their lives.
To kick off this ambitious media series
for children, we need your help. We need
to raise additional funds to finishTHAT’S
A FAMILY! this winter and to launch its
distribution. Our work is not commissioned-
instead we independently
produceand distribute ourmediaprojects.
see It’s... p. 14
Announcements Policy
Tulsa Family Newswitl provide-space
for holy union ceremony, marriage
ceremony, birth, adoption and death
announcements onaspace availablebasis.
Photos are welcome, though we cannot
promise placement or return them, so
please send copies to Tulsa Family News,
POB 4140, Tulsa 74159.
Letters Policy
Tulsa Family News welcomes letters
on issues which we’ve covered or on
issues you think need to be considered.
You may request that your name be withheld
but letters must be signed & have
phonenumbers, or behand delivered. 200
word letters are preferred. Letters to other
publications will be re-printed as is
appropriate.
by Tom Neal, editor & publisher
January is National Volunteer BloodDonor Month and
most newspapers in the city have received press releases
exhorting Tulsans to donate blood.
According to Tulsa’s chapter of the American Red
Cross’ communications manager, Maggie Jewell, "the
winter time is a crucial time for blood donations and that
many new donors are needed to help meet patient needs
in local hospitals...many donors who regularly give find
that they cannot during the winter months because of a
cold or the flu.., the nation’ sblood supply... [is] just a
few hours aheadofdemand. Asit stands today, ifeveryone
stopped donating blood, our nation’s supply would
disappear within only two days..."
So you’d think that the Red Cross would welcome all
donors. In the Red Cross" press releases, they state, "to
donate, one must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110
pounds, and be feeling wall the day of the donation..."
What they don’t say is that ffyou are Gay, you don’ t lie
about it, and you give blood, they throw your blood away
- even though ALL blood is tested for HIV antibodies
anyway! Anyone who’s had sex with someone of the
samegender since,ifmemory serves me, 1984, is banned.
To reframe a 19th century prejudice: "Irish need not
apply" becomes "Faggots need not apply."
The local Red Cross shrugs off responsibility, saying
it’s a national policy. The national Red Cross places the
blame on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). They
all know that thisis bad science. "
Once one might have presumed-a tight correlation
between sexual orientation/behavior and HIV status.
Today, those exposed to the HIV virus can just as easily
be heterosexual. Infact, one of the parts ofour population
whichhas disproportionately highinfectionrates is young
Mrican-Americans. Does anyone think we’d see the Red
Cross or FDA saying, "Young Blacks need not apply"?
The reality is that this discrimination is socially wrong
as well as bad public health policy. TulsaArea Red Cross
can’ t:change it by itsdf but its Board of Directors can go
on record to call for a change in the policy (it wouldn’t
hurt if they added a non-discrimination pohcy too). And
it can stop trying to sweep this prejudice under the rug.
Until it and the FDA change their policies, its press
releases should read, "to donate, one must be 17 years or
older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be feeling well the
day of the donation.., andnot be aGay or Bisexual man."
by Tom Neal, editor/publisher
Early on the morning of Dec. 3rd, like many others, I
was shocked to see the face of a friend, someone whom.
I respectandlike, inTheWorld accused ofa vcry unlikely
act.
Reading the article and knowing the man, my first
reaction was to wonder that the charges had been brought
at all. It is a classic, "he said, she said" recast as "the
straight ’boy’ said, the Gay man said."
According to comments made to the Tulsa World by
Broken Arrow police, the
only persons present at the
allegedactwere RickFortner
and themanwhohas accused
him of lewd behavior (I say
man who accused because at
16 if he were a murderer,
he’d be considered an adult
and 16maynotbevery wise,
but it’s hardly a child in this
day and age).
I then wondered at
possible motivations for his
accuser. Was this the sick
behavior of a young man struggling with his own
homosexuality andprojecting his self-hatred onto another
target?
Or is he yet another young American man warped into
mindless hatred Of men who love other men by a society
whose need for some hated "other’ dates back to before
the Republic was founded (let me see: we Americans
havehated Indians in the East, we’ ve hated Blacks, we’ve
hated Jews, we’ve hated Germans, we especially hated
the Irish, we’ve hated Catholics, and Poles, and again
Indians in the West, and Asians: Chinese, Japanese, Fast
Indians, we’ve hated Commumsts, Socialists, Unionists,
women who dared to vote -or merely not be endless
baby-factories, hell, we’ ve even hated some Republicans
- I personally have thought that Ronnie Reagan was one
of the most profoundly and blandly evil men of our time
but I digress).
Former says he is innocent and I believe him as do his
friends and colleagues at his work, All Souls Unitarian
ChurchandinCouncil Oaks Mens Chorale whichFortner
founded and leads, and I hear his family, thank God.
But even when his innocence is proven, and these
charges likely are shown to be shameless political
opportunism by Tulsa County District Attorney Tim
Harris, Fortuer remains victimized by the accusation. His
reputation has been called into question and defending
" Fortner says he is innocent and I
believe him... But even when his
innocence is proven, and these
charges likely are shown to be
shameless politlea! opportunism by
Tulsa County District Attorney
Tim Harris, Fortner remains
victimized by the accusation...."
himself can 0nly be costly even if the charges are without
merit.
So why is this haptmning? Political and other observers
have known for some dme that Tulsa District Attorney
Tim Harris is closely associated with right wing political
extremists who call themselves "Christian."
Tulsa’s DA’s earlier demonstrated their willingness to
abuse the powers of the office to promote a ultra rightwing
agenda when they failed to prosecute seriously the
brutal hate assault against Tony Orr and Tim Beauchamp
until after prim media had
written about the DA’s bias,
failing even to get them
victim’s compensation for
their medical injuries as the
DA’s office does for other
crime victims.
Local attorney and
TOHRboard member Kerry
Lewis suggests that Harris is
shamelessly using this
accusation to appeal to the
part ofhis electoratewho are
rabidly prejudiced, to appear
as though Hams is "fighting crime" andjust incidentally
destroying Rick Fortner’s lifein the process.
We can likely anticipate that much of our District
Attorney’ s strategy, if they have the nerve to push such a
seemingly meritless case so far, is going to be to engage
in blatant legal "Gay-bashing." It will be suggested that,
ipso facto, Rick’s a"homo" and therefore capable of any
evil, and that any accusation by a red-blooded, all-
American boy is, of course, God’s own Truth!
But what’s really on trial here, is American justice
itself. As has played out generation after generation, with
minority after minority, the reality has been that our
justice, at its best- is uneven, and more often than not is
wildly unfair, favoring wealth, whiteness and heteromaleness.
And all the problem is not in the DA’s office. Some
Tulsa police, year after year, engage in varieties of anti-
Gay bias, including breaking the very law, with no
restriction nor anti-bias training from Chief Palmer nor
the elected official to whom he answers, Mayor Savage.
But right now, what matter is that Rick Former is
treated fairly. I don’ tknow if he’ s got alegal defense fund
set up but he may need it.
I’d suggest that any help readers might give, be sent to
the Rev. Suzanne Meyers at All Souls Unitarian Church.
They’re in the book.
by Dave Fleischer
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
Ask voters a question - then listen to their answers -
and you get what Lily Tomlin calls a "goosebump
experience." Why the adrenaline rush? Because you
challenge not only your cherished ideas about the voters,
but also what you believe about yourself.
I was reminded of this while campaigning in Carol
City, an African-American, working-class Miami
neighborhood. I was with a team of volunteers from
SAVE Dade, the group preparing to defend their county
Human Rights Ordinance.
Scene: short, bald, Jewish me at.the door, talking to a
voter: "The Ordinance protects all of us from
discrimination, whether we’~re aman or woman, black or
white, Gay or non-Gay. The newest part of the law is the
part that includes Gay people. Some people want to take
the law .apart and remove Gay people from it. But we
think that s wrong-wethink everyone ought to be treated
with dignity and respect. What do you think?"
,,W,_ith barely a pause, the voter began "My church says.
¯. Oy ray. I figured I knew where we were headed, and
it wasn’t the promised land. "My church says--Jesus
loves everybody. Diseriminadon is always wrong." She
and I had a brief, affirming discussion.
I went to door #2, said my piece, and the voter
immediately began,"My church says..." I listened. "My
church says homosexuality is a sin. It’s wrong. Read
your Bible, and you’ll see the Lord has a plan for a better
life for you." As he amplified his point of view, I was
: trying to decide how quickly to exit. When he stopped
: talking, we paused and looked at each other. Then I said,
"Well, I’m Gay. I likemylife, and if IYm doing a goodjob
¯
at myjob, do you think my boss should be able to fire me
¯ just because I’m Gay?"
¯¯ The voter looked astonished: "Wall of course, no one
should fire you for that." That started a back-and-forth
¯ that surprised both of us. Wedisagreed about why people
are Gay. We agreed that discrimination against G.ays is
¯ unacceptable. After a fewminutes, as hewas prepanng to ¯
read tomefrom the Bible, I called ahalt, thanked him, and
¯ moved to the next door.
: What I learned about myself was how hard itis to ask
: a question and hear the answer. Both times, it only took
: three words before I thought I knew what was coming.
¯ Both times, I was Wrong but I realized why asking
~¯ questions is uncomfortable.Whenwe ask a question, and
really wait to hear the answer, we are not Controlling the
¯ situation. We are sharing control with the other person.
American culture teaches us all to like control. To
¯ celebrate our individuality - to believe that one pe.rson
¯ can make a difference - to have it our way--is as
¯ American as a.microwaved Mcwhopper.
But growing up Gay raises the stakes. Many of us
realize early on that we’ re different, subject to ridicule or
¯
hurt. So we crave control as a way to protect ourselves,
¯ and to survive. We pump up our talent for isolated
¯ individual achievement, sometimes neglecting team-
" building and our curiosity about others.
: Our life becomes a search for refuge. To protect
¯
ourselves, we build communities and organizations
¯ designed to shelter us. Butwe thenmiss genuine, reciprocal
¯ connectionwithotherpeople, especially thosewho aren’ t
just like us. Werarely ask them what they think ofus. We
¯
assume we know.
¯ When we don’ t ask real questions - like "What do you
think?"- we rely on Our past experience. No wonder that
¯
we hold onto ahigh level of paranoia. We can’ t forget the
¯ feelings we knew when we were young. We can’t miss
¯ the hostility expressed by right-wing extremists now. that
¯ we are older. ¯
But, guess what? Neither has much to do with where
¯ most Americans stand today. When we lack confidence
¯ in other people, it is no wonderwe struggle in campaigns. ¯
Ourlifeis a niche, but in elections we need50% + 1 of the
¯ participating voters on our side.
¯ It is understandably scary to put aside our past hurts to
test the possibilities in the present. It’s easier to avoid
person-to-person campaigning; it’s tempting instead to
¯ rely on every other possible form of communication, all
of which have at least some value. But what price do we
[ pay for our lack of curiosity, our unwillingness to risk
: authentic exchange? Are we, without meaning to, buying
¯ intothelargerculture’stoleranceofstereotypicalthinking?
~ Who is most imperiled when it’ s a deviant act to ask a
¯ question - or to question a stereotype? Let’s rescue ¯ ourselves. Goosebumps are ours, for the asking.
Dave Fleischer is a seniorfellow at the Policy Institute
ofthe National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Nationwide Insurance : Allen said. Allen said much of the group’s time is
Adds Partners’ Benefits:¯ teachers can ha,,v.e a tough time discussing even with
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Nationwide Insurance those~who don t have a disability.
Company has just begun to offer employees a new : The Arc, formerly known as th.e .Associatio~
benefits package that will recognize same-sex : Retarded Citizens, adopt,e~,.. a posmon paper mr
d0mestic partners. The plan also .will cover relatives " " year~ ago affirmin_g that. indiv]~du,~.s with m~enn~
_ including extended family members~uch as : retardationarepe°plew~tlasexualIeel.mgs’~nhee~n~}
’grandparents - roommates and unmarriedpartners
~vho live w,ith the .employees, Donna. James; [ the 7:2 million people with,,mental retardation in the
Nationwide s senior vice president :of ihuman ¯ United States, s~ys people have fundamental ri,g,h,ts
resources, told The Outlook, an iaiiependent [ as individuals to have privacy, love and be loved.
¯ eater Columbus Ga,c community. ~ Sfill,. Gay people with mental disabilities are often
newsPaper°f,thegr.: - . . .,’.= ~,-~-’--,=-1= ¯ o,;~,~: "zed somefimesb arents,orcaretakers-the
Those co,v:_cream.u..~si tt~. a:.e.,p-enaoe.n..t.o. nm. e~’~auP~..’u~ . o~,~att_ ,,
em lo eeforsupp0rtorsnarelmanclalrespOn~t°mq¢ v~"v *~ a r
"
P Y. ........... .... .
.... ’ r-All of Nationwide s 28,000 .
¯ . ¯ _ . .’. .--. ¯ wem~pthlotyheeewsaorere.klig.eib..!.e..f0rth-,ep~ lan.Byear: ly~’mber"’ ¯ ’. " W : ~lrglfllfl CoHrt to lalevle
A recentForbesMagazine sur~ey, mo!area:
unmarried parmers .are ovyr~..byh~e’~l~9.ben,efitS ~ :: ’ ROANOKE, Va. (AP)-A Virginia.appe~s court,has
10% of .the businesses with :at least zoo em~toy~.. : agreed"to review the constitutionality oI a state taw
Companies that.pr0vide.same-sex P.-aFtner~e3Its .: tl~t ~nalizes oral sex between consenting adults.
indtide:Lotus!.De~vd0pment Corp.,MicrosoRtsorp:, .. The.Virginia Court of Appeals agreed to ~ear. the
-IBM, Walt Disney Co.,Honeywell and Xerox. ¯ ~i~s ~)f nine men convicted of soliciting sodomy
¯ " " e : from undercover police posing as Gay me~... .
McCam, Forbes:Endors : The case will test alaw that some autho~taes say ~
a legitimate way to deter public sex acts. opponen ’Don’t Ask, DOn’t-Tell’- ": 0fthelawarguethatit’sanarchaicinvasionofprivacy
.... .........si .that targets homosexu~,,s. The law, referred to as
WASHINGTON(AP)-TheClintona~stxatto.n
polieybarfing0penh0mosex.ual~sfro,m,..military~e_ ; ,crimes against nature, applies to all consenting
~vorksandshouldbepreserYed,Kepumtcancanoauate~ ’" adults, homosexual and heterosexual, who engagem
" oral sex in public or private. Violating the law is a
Sen. JohnMcCainanffSteveForbes s~din Decem~ber;
¯ McCain~ a former naval officer and prisoner oI war felony, plmishable ,by up to five years in prison.
inVietnam, Saiahewo,~dhave sen.1.°r o,f.fieer,s,re,v]ew
Those who say it s time for Virginia to join the list
the p0ffcy, but ad,d,ed, I support me poncy, i oeueve
of states that have abolished their alifi-sodgmy laws
that it;s working. ’ ,, , "
i are. encouraged that the appeals court has agr.e.e,d to
On"Fox Ne~s Sunday, Forbes said: ’The military
¯ hear the case. The sodomy law also was invokedmthe
is not an institution for socialengineering. It has. a
¯ case of Sharon Bottoms, a Richmond-area woman
~:ery real,role of protectingus. It... operates in very
" who lost custody of her son in 1993 when ajudge said
speJzial circumstance§, and theref0reapresident must
" she was an linfit mother because she and her female
take heed of leaders such as Gen. Powell and G.en.
¯ lo~er engaged in oral sex.
Scfiwarzkopf Who s,a,y that you cannot have open
inhispetitiontothe.appealscourt, Garrison said,,,the
Gays in the military.. The Repu.bh,ca~,~ fro,nt-ru~n~ar~
’ : case is not just a Gay issue, but one that affects me
ri ht to 4 5 million adult Virginians to be
Texas Gov George W.-Bush, also nas. enaorseu
Clinton policy. "
,
The position of Vice President A1 Gore, a,Viemam
they have a reasonable expectataon to privacy, t ne
veterat~, and.his Democratic Opponent Bill Bradle~ is
appeal attacks the law from several angles: that it
that people who.can be firefighters, police officers
¯ violates privacy rights guaranteed by both state and
andmembe~s,ofColigress shouldhaVeopenaccess to
federal Constitutions; that it is based on religious
.military service as wall. Gay civilrights activists who ¯
met with Clinton ¯last week said the president¯ told "
them the ~’don’.t ask, dOn~t.tell’’ policy was a failure..
R.., ,rded-Gays and ¯
Lesb"ia"ns" "Find Support.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)- For decades, the ¯
sexuality of people with mental, dis~abi!i_ti_e_s,^W_~e]~ ¯
taboo a subject that parents ann prolesslonm~ ,o~ ~
acknowledged its ..ex~stence. The disabl.ed were o~ften ¯
treatedas if they Were eternal children; immune irom
desire. Bu,t as people with mental disabilities come of :
age in a more accepting’atmosphere, they are’:
grounds and thus violates the separation ofchurch and
state; and that its potential five-year prison sentence
subjects defendants to cruel find unusual punishment.
Eighteen men were charged under the law-in the
Roanoke Police Depfirtment;s sting. The biggest
challenge for those appealing .their convictions may
be convincing the appealS.court that they have legal
standing to overturn a’law that affects not just them,
but all adult Virgimans. In 1979 - the-last’ time a
higtier state court heard a challenge of the sodomy_.
law, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a man
arrested in Richmond had no such standing2 ’
Since then, several states have recoglfized that
defendants arrested for alleg.ed public ~.ex acts are
entitled to fight the law not just as it was applied to
them, but as it potentially co~d be applied to bthers.i
formerly Family of Faith & Greater Tulsa MCC
Joined as one body of believers.
Come celebrate with us.
Sunday Services, 11 am
~aplewood, 8~18-1715
Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC
Certified Public Accountant
a professional corporation
747-5466
4021 S. Harvard, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIq
Sun. Worship, ~0:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 prn
3210b S. Norwood, Info: 224-4754, Chris or Sharon
Sandra Hill M.S.
Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Cel:tifled Hypnotherapist
.,Psychotherapy & Clinical Consultation
After Hours Appointments Available
2865 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 215,745~111
Community Unitarian UniversalL’
Congregation
at Community ofHo~p~
South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0S9!
A Welcoming.Congregation
experiencing an open discussion abom relationships ¯ Mingo Valley Flowers
an~’s~x ~and for Some, acknowledging that .they may Thirty years ago, all 50 states had laws that forbade
be homosexual.. " f eo le witl~ " consensual oral sex. Today, Virginia is one of. 17
For the past.year, a small group’o P P : statesthat’stillhassu~halaw- ’
mental disabilities has be~n ga~hexqng ~- transported ¯ ¯ - 9413 E, 31st St., Tulsa 74145
from group home~ and independentl~ving facilities ". 918-663-5934, fax: 663:583~,1800-444-592
.byth~ircareta~ers+-to,djs~us~the~-r¢-d[c~’ue~nt°fn°~t~ :
Court Bars Child
o~y beingmenta~iy ~a~d~ea~i~ed, but being Gay ~or ¯ Visitation, Rights milr
On a monthly basis, ~ey meet a~ a group with a : CHICAGO (AP) ~ Shelived withher Lesbian parme,r- . .
advocates for:the disabled say:more’ " n . ,-., . ~nva"cy¯ .-.~.-~.-.~..,~..ri.~.r.ti.i .".~.a.t.e.l.us; .t.no.t.c.o.ve.r.e.d.u.nd.e.r.a. state law-governing Visitaaon rights. ~ne oec,slon
NewHaven group:~d the meetings are niSt a dating ":
service. Ratl~er;the sessions’are an opporttmity for a~. upjhue~ud.~j:~a~il~r CH’~u~ntaCn:~l~ul.~gg:eopinionii~t~d
¯segment of the populati°n that is d°ubl:y ils°)ated.t°, : th~illin0islaw.~pecifi~i~]iame~i~i~?eS.’~.~e~ : l,li-,~ , 12~21’.S~uttlCo~umbialSuRe420 ,~
~lk oper~y about feelings, ,pressures,~ana" socm~ ¯
situations. Left.unaddressed; ~exu~iiy in.,a person :’ as.fotmerspous~sandgran.dparen ~,. -~ i ~i. ~;.’
1~q~4-351.8
With a m~nL~i :disability can ,manifeSt itself in : to Visitation rights with children. If.is silent fin me ~’’~
inappropriate, and...s0metimes,, ,s~lf-destructive. ,ways; : issue of former same-sex p.armer~,:
Child.i Family, IndividualA.,Couple Psychother~
" 2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518
TulSa Gay Community Services Center
743-GAYS (743-4297)
.6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday
12-9 prn~ Saturday, all sales benefit the Center
OKLAHOMA COMMUNICATIONS
Local - Long Distance
Cellular -Paging
747.1508
Free Car Adaptor &
Leather Case with New Cell Phone
Help Celebrate
A Great American Hero
Join TOHR
. PFLAG and Soul Force
for the
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Parade
Monday, danuary 17
From Pine & Greenwood to
the Greenwood Cultural Center
Gather at9 am, Parade at 11 am
KEVIN BURLESO N
Keller Williams Realty
712-2252
Burleson@kw.com
2651 East 21st Street, Ste. 100, Tulsa 74114
An Independent Member Broker
OPENARMS,OPENMINDS,OPENHF_AKrs i
Saint Aidan
4045 N. Cincinnati, 425-7882
Saint John
4200 S; Atlanta Place, 742-7381
Saint Dunstan
5635 East 71st, 492-7140
Tdnity
501 S. Cincinnati-, 582-4128
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Amanda met her partner, "Helen," in 1984 when
they were living in Georgia. Helen was artificially
inseminated in 1993 and gave birth to a daughter that
December. Amanda was involved in the preparations
for the birth and helped take care of the little girl for
a year and a half. The relationship ended in 1995. The
next year, Helenmoved to Chicago with her daughter
and has refused to allow Amanda any contact with the
child since 1997, the court said. Amanda’s suitargued
that even though she was not married to Helen, She
Should have the same rights parents have under
common law. Sawyer, an attorney for the Eainbda
Legal Foundation, said a decision would be made
later on. whether to appeal to the Illinois Supreme
Court.
Helen’s attorney, Leon Finkel, noted that Illinois
does not recognize common law in such cases’~ He
said boyfriends, aunts and uncles and in some cases
even stepparents are among those whoare not entitled
to visitation rights under Illinois law.
Finkel also said limiting the list was a good idea.
because parents should only m special instances be
forced to give up the power to determine who is
allowed to visit their children.
He added that while Illinois doesn’t recognize
same-sex marriages, it does recognize same-sex
adoptions. Had Amanda legally adopted the girl, she
would have had visitation rights and the dispute
would never have taken place, he said.
Study Says Marriage Ban
Would Hurt Children
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - At least 40,000
children living with Gay couples and 100,000 more
with Gay single parents would be affected by a
proposed state ban on same-sex marriages, according
to a new study. Those children could feel ostracized
by. society if their parents’ Unions were considered
invalid, concludes the review by Michael Wald, a
Stanford University law professor who specializes in
public policy’s effect on children. Proposition 22
would let California recognize only marriages
performed between a man and a woman. It will be
voted on in March.
’q’his alleged study, which promotes homosexual
marriages, is nothing more than a bogus political
campaign hit piece against Proposition 22 and the
institution of marriage," said Robert Glazier, a
spokesman for the Yes on Proposition 22 campaign.
Wald’s review used findings by the American
Psychological Association and several research studies
on same-sex parents. "By all reports, these families
are doing very wall," Wald said. "It is different,
obviously, growingup in afamily with two parents of
the same sex, but children adjust to it." Studies have
shown that the children of Gay parents are welladjusted
and do wall in school, but often face
intolerance, he said.
The report drew criticism from David Orgon
Coolidge, director of the Marriage Law Project atThe
Catholic University ofAmerica inWashington, D.C.,
who called it "an attempt to mislead voters." "prop 22
is not about same-sex couples," Coolidge said in a
written statement. "Prop 22 is about whether
Californians will be allowed to decide for themselves
how marriage will be defined in this state."
Colorado Anti-Marriage
Amendment Progresses
DENVER (AP) - A proposed constitutional
amendmentto restrict same-sexmarriages in Colorado
has been approved by the .secretary of state’s office
and now advances to a 30-day challenge period, ifapproved
by voters, the measure would recognize
only marriages between, a man and a woman and
would make same-sex marriages performed in other
states invalid in Colorado.
Themeasure, which cleared the secretary of state’s
ritle-setting board in December, will face opposition.
"As a statewide agency,we are eommitted to fighting
this every step of the way," said LoriAnn Girvan,
executive director of Equality Colorado. "We feel
that the taxpayers of Colorado don’t need another
anti-Gay ballotinitiative that will re-ignite our state’s
reputation as a place of intolerance."
Candace McCune, an Englewood lawyer
representing proponents of the measure who formed
the group Coloradans for Traditional Marriage, said
the measure would close a loophole in the state
Constitution. The Legislaturelast year rejected an
attempt by Sen. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan,
to pass a statute similar to the proposed amendment.
Opponents oftheinitiativehave 30 days to challenge
it. Ifit survives, signatures ofnearly 64,000 registered
voters. W~ould have to be collected tO.l~m the ~easure
off ~1i~ ~6all0t. Coloradatis- for Tradiu6nal" Marriage
also withdrew a proposal to ban same-sex marriages.
Hank Aaron Slams
Pitcher’s Comments
ATLANTA (AP)- Hall of Famer Hank Aaronjoined
thebarrage ofcriticism against AtlantaBraves pitcher
Johp_ Rocker, despite his apology for making
derogatory comments about Gays and minorities.
Aaron said he was "very sick and disgusted about
the whole situation" and questioned how Rocker
could continue in baseball. "I have no place in my
heart for peoplewhofeel that way," the all-time home
run king, who is the Braves’ senior vice president,
told syndicated radio host Jay Mariotti.
About 15 activists protested outside Turner Field,
urging the Braves to fire Rocker for the comments,
which were published i~n a recent Sports Illustrated.
"There may be some room for redemption, but not
as anAtlantaBrave," said Michael Langford, president
of the United Youth-Adult Conference. "We
encourage him to enter his resignation right now and
go into an early retirement."
Rocker told Sports Illustrated he would never play
for a New York team because he didn’t want to ride
a subway train "next to some queer with AIDS." He
also bashed immigrants, saying, "I’m not a very big
fan of foreigners... How the hell did they get in this
country?" While driving in Atlanta during the
interview, Rocker criticized Asian women: Look.
Look at this idiot," he said of another driver. "I
guarantee you she’s a Japanese woman. How bad are
Asianwomenatdriving?" Healso calledan overweighl
black teammate "a fat monkey."
Rocker apologized in a ffritten statement, saying he
was carried away by his "competitive zeal" against
New York Mets fans. He said heis not a racist mad the
comments do not reflect his true feelings.
Civic groups and a member of the Atlanta city
Council delivered aletter to Braves owner TedTurner
and general manager John Schuerholz demanding
Rocker’s immediate firing. "We would have hoped
there would havebeen amore scathing condemnation
of these comments," said Councilman Derrick
Boazman. "This was more thanjust rhetoric. This was
hate." There was no answer at Turner’ s office, and his
publicist did pot return a telephone call.
Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig called Rocker’s
remarks "inappropriate and offensive." He said
baseball is reviewing the matter and would take
"appropriate action." There is precedent: Former
Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott was suspended
from baseball for the 1993 season for her use of racial
and ethnic slurs.
¯ Pentagon .Seeks Tougher
: Stand Aga,nst Harassers
¯ WASH!NGTON(AP)-The U.S. Defense Department
¯ is piessing armed services leaders to re-emphasize to
¯¯ commanders that harassment of troops based on their
sexual orientation will notbe tolerated. The Pentagon
: has drawn fire recently for its "don’t ask, don’t tell"
: policy. Critics say an increasing number ofGay and
Lesbian servicemembers arebeingharassed, contrary
: to the stated policy ofpermitting them to serve so long
: as they do not declare their sexual orientation.
: The criticism sharpened after a court-martial in
¯ which anArmyprivate was convicted of murdering a
¯
Gay ,soldier harassed with the knowledge of his
¯ superiors. PresidentBill Clinton said earlier lastmonth
¯ that the Pentagon’s policy on Gays was "out of ¯
whack."
". see Briefs, p. 14
Older Americans
With HIV Increasing
HOUSTON (AP) - An aging population,
life-extending treatments, and a
misperception that AIDS is a disease of
the young have fostered an increase in
AIDS infections among older Americans,
the Houston Chronicle reported recently.
Nationally, about 11% of reported AIDS :
cases are in people 50 or older, the
newspaper reported.
Seniors are the age group with the
fastest-growing AIDS rates - up 22%
between 1991 and 1996, compared with a
9% increase among people age 13-49,
according to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
However, health officials warned that
the increases seem dramatic because the
numbers are small. A 106% increase in
the number of older women infected
through sex, for example, is based on an
increase from 340 eases to 700 eases.
"’At this point, the numbers are so small
that they really have notbeen perceived as
a problem," said Dr. Rose Brownridge,
acting bureau chief of the Texas
Department:of Health division that deals
with AIDS and other sexually transmitted
diseases. She added, however, that the
issue needs further study.
About 72,000 .americans age 50 and
over and about 4,50(3 Texans have been.
diagnosedwithAIDS. N~gneknows how
many seniors are infected with HIV, the
virus that causes AIDS, because not all
states require HIV reporting and because
older people arethought to be tested far
less often than their younger counterparts.
According to the CDC, slightly more than
one-third of older people with AIDS are
Gay or Bisexual men. About one of five
was infected by using a dirty needle to
inject drugs.
While popular attention has been
focusedon declining infection rotes among
children, AIDS among seniors has been
virtually ignored. That must change, said
Marcia try, chief of social science
research on aging at the National Institute
onAging. "The pointis that society cannot
ignore AIDS in that pediatric population,
in the young adult population or the older
population," Ms. try said. "For people
living longer or getting infected at_ an
older age, these people are incredibly
isolated, and they may not getthe treatment
they need."
That is likely to change with the
onslaught of baby boomers nearing
retirement age, said Kathy Nokes, a New
Yorknursewho works withinfected older
patients and editor of a book on seniors
with AIDS. "Baby boomers talk about
everything, try everything, demand
everything," she said. "To a 60- or 70-
year-old, that’s not polite."
Ironically, the drug Viagra that has
allowedmanyoldermento revive dormant
sex lives also has heightened concern
aboutthe spread ofAIDS. "They are pretty
AIDS-unaware as they venture out into
the world of sexual activity," said Sara
Selber, executive director of AIDS
Foundation Houston. "AIDS wasn’ treally
on their screen at the time they were
(previously) sextmlly active."
Fish Gene Key to
Immune System
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A gene discovered
in puffer fish - which have immune
systems similar to humans - may hold
secrets to learning more about diseases
that affect the human immune system,
such as AIDS, medical researchers say.
~esearchers doing work at St.
Petersburg’s All Children’s Hospital
published their findings in this week’s
Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, an academic journal.
Despite the finding, researchers do not
know what the newly found gene does,
said Gary Litman, the University of South
qoridaimmunologistwholedthe research
effort.
However, they do know the gene plays
amajor role in theimmune systembecause
of its complex structure.
In addition to the puffer fish, the
~mportant gene is found in other bony
fish, including zebra fish and sharks.
"The hunt is on for this gene in man,"
said Litman, who is working with eight
other researchers in Florida and in
California and Massachusetts. "Now we
know where to look."
Researchers are using computers .to
search human DNA for the identical or
similar sequence of 114,000 amino acids
found in the fish DNA. There are about 3
million amino acids in the human body.
Discoveries about the immune system
can affectnew developments in treatments
for diseases ranging from common
allergies to cancer and Alzheimer’s
disease.
Litman said thenew gene mightprovide
clues to an additional type of immunity
that doctors might not have realized.
AIDS Most
Important Story
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP)- The
discovery of and ongoing efforts to treat
and find a cure for AIDS was the top story
of the century, according to a survey of a
group ofhigh school history students. The
students surveyed by The Hutchinson
News otherwise generally agreed with
adult readers surveyed by the newspaper,
but, adults gave AIDS barely a mention.
’ It had such a high impact on what they
thought about their own mortality," said
Susan Smith, a teacher atHutchinsonHigh
School. "They didn’t think they could die,
and they certainly didn’t think having sex
could make them die."
Lindsey Derr, 16, saidnews aboutAIDS
is evenmoreimportantnow that the disease
is generally understood by experts and
millions of people have been identified as
AIDS,positive. Jacqui Faber, 16, said a
lot of people still don’t know enough
about where and how to get tested.
Some issues identified by students as
mostimportant occurred long before their
lifetimes, such as womengaining theright
to vote in America. Other issues that are
again xn the news, such as the Scopes
"Monkey" trial pitting evolutionary theory
against creationism, weren’t seen as
important.
Other stories that were big during their
lifetimes, such as the explosion of the
space shuttle Challengerandthemeltdown
¯of the Russian nuclear power plant at
Cheruobyl, were neat the bottom of the
high-school list.
Thebombing ofPearl Harbor that led to
U.S. entry into World War II, top of the
general readership’ s list,was infifthplace
among the students.
A high-ranking story on the students’
list that ranked low among the gener~
readership was the "I Have a Dream
speech given by the Rev. Martin Luther
King Jr. Talesha Brassield, a 16-year-old
junior, said King’s speech was still a
reminder that Americans have a lot to
learn about respecting each other. "There
The Second Annual
Progressive Alliance Summit
The State Capitol
Oklahoma City
Saturday
Januar 15th, 2000
Join activists from many different
progressive movements from across the
state for skills and coalition building.
Keynote Speaker: Frosty Troy
The Oklahoma Observer
For more information or for reservations contact Planned
Parenthood in Tulsa at 918-587-7674
or Keith Smith at The Smith Group: 405-840-2219
Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American?
Tulsa’s Two-Spirited Indian Men’s
Support Group is here for you!
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
at 582-7225 Ext. 208 or 218
Dial-Up Accounts
Dedicated ISDN
Con nections
Virtual Hosting
Visit our web page
wwwag~sweb.net
(918) 622-4965
Internet Marketing
E-Commerce
Web Page Design
On-Site Setu p Avail able
Medical
Excellence And
Compassionate
Since
1926.
ST. JOHN.MEDICAL CENTER
THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
PRESENTS
Equality Rocks
Saturday, April 29, 2000
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, DC
Hear Our Voices
Our Vision For the New Millennium IsAWorld Where
Peopl.e Can Live With Hope, Equality and Safety.
Join Melissa Etheridge, Ellen Degeneres, Anne Heche and
a Host of other Stars as They Rock. the New Millennium and
Take a Stand for a Safer, BetterWorld for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender People Everywhere. Tickets on
Sale at 800..551.SEAT or www.ticketmaster.com
are still people that believe people have to
think the same, look the same and believe
the same things," Talesha said.
Thais Protest US
Drug Monopoly
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Some 120
Thai activists and HIV-AIDS patients
camped Wednesday outside the Health
Ministry demanding an end to a U.S.
pharmaceutical monopoly thatmakes antiviral
drugs too expensive for most in
Thailand. They want theThai government
to enforce a patent act to legalize local
manufacture of Didanosine or DDI, a
medicine that suppresses the deadly HIV
virus in a patient’s blood, delaying the
onset of AIDS.
Few. of the more than 1 million HIV
postive individuals in Thailand, a country
of 62 million people, can afford drugs
such as DDI and AZT, imported to
Thailandfromoverseas,mainlyfromU.S.
manufacturers.
DDI,manufacturedby U.S. ftrmBristol-
Myers Squibb, is sold at50 baht ($1.25) a
tablet in Thai hospitals. Patients need at
least fourtablets aday, costingin all about
6,000 baht-10,000 baht ($160-250) a
month. A Thai office worker earns about
4,400 baht($110) amonth. Thedrugprice
would be halved if Thailand produce it
locally.
Last month, Medecins Sans Frontieres,
the Nobel Peace Prize-winnlngemergency
healthcare group, said U.S. trade pressure
has made proper health care for H!V/
AIDS patients nnaffordable in Thailand
and other less developed countries.
Activists said access to DDI, used by
around 5% of people living with HIV in
1997, declined over the past two years due
to Thailand’s economic recession. Since
theHIV epidemicbeganin the early 1990s,
more than 260,000 Thais have contracted
full-blown AIDS.
’q’he government has full legislation to
enforce the act butit fears the U.S. will be
angry andit mightlead to trade sanctions,"
said Paisal Tan-ud, spokesmanoftheThai
Network For People Living With HIVAIDS.
The activists plan to camp outside
the ministly in Bangkok until they get an
answer from the government.
Earlier this year, campaigners succeeded
in demanding local manufacture of
Diflu.can, a drug used to treat cryptococcat
memngitis, a fungal infection of the brain
which occurs in HIV-AIDS patients.
The government has allowed two local
pharmaceutical compames to produce the
drug, originally manufactured by the U.S.
drug company Pfizer.
Girl + Grandmother
Tell Their Story
WOODBRIDGE, Va. - When Annisha
Wilbum was 4 years old, she went to live
with her grandmother, Valerie Reeder-
Bey, who is HIV-positive. Reeder-Bey
knew she had to talk about her condition
with her granddaughter. The hard part
was finding a way to do it without
frightening her or delving into
uncomfortable details. "I was living in
fear that anything could happen," said
Reeder-Bey,46,wholives inWoodbridge.
"I wanted to tell her. I just really had to
find the way without being graphic."
She started by jotting down things that
Annisha shouldn’tworry about: "It’ s okay
to hug," she wrote. "It’s okay to hold
hands." As the girl got older, she started
making her own contributions to the list.
¯ Talking on the telephone with her
: grandmother was OK, Annisha pointed
¯ out, or going rollerblading together.
¯ Thus was born "My Grandma Has
: AIDS: Annisha’s Story," a 14-page
¯ illustrated children’s book that was
¯ published this year by a pharmaceutical "
¯ company and distributed at the U.S.
Conference on AIDS in Denver and a
World AIDS Day commemoration in
¯ Boston.
"- Annisha and her grandmotherare both
¯ listed as authors, but thebookis writtenin
¯¯ Annisha’s voice. "Hi. My name is
Annisha. This is a story about my
grandma," the book begins. "She is real
: special to me. Mygrandmaisjustlikeany
¯ other grandma. My grandma has AIDS."
The book goes on to describe the various
things they do together. "I know that ifmy
friendhas AIDS, I cannotcatch itbybeing
~ their friend," Annisha says in the book.
~ Reeder-Bey, who also lives with her
¯ husband, Tommy, is excited about the
: book’s distributionandhopes parents will
¯" use it to introduce the subject of AIDS to
i¯ tHheeairvcehniilndrVenie.wS,haeniosnaplrsoofitthtehafotpurnodveirdeosf
: health counseling and support groups for
¯ people living with AIDS. "I would love
¯ forit to be in ev,,e~y household. That’s ~e
ultimate dream,’ she said. "Even if it s
¯ not in every household, I want everyone
~ to know about it."
: The road to "My Grandma Has-AIDS:
¯ Annisha’s Story"was along one. It began ¯
¯ whenReeder-Beywent toherownmother,
looking for solace after she learned she
¯" was HIV-positive. Reeder-Bey said she
¯ spent 22 years as an alcoholic and drug
¯ addict. Her mother could not accept the
: diagnosis and sent her daughter away, she
: said: "I forgive my mother now, but then,
¯ I couldn’t take it," she recalled.
¯ Six years later, Reeder-Beywas alcohol-
. and drug-free andembarking onanew life
¯ as an AIDS activist and drug counselor.
¯ Then her daughter, who has had her own
: struggles with addiction, asked her to take
in Annisha. "Wehad already spent a lot of
." time together," Reeder-Bey said of
¯ Annisha. "She just became a part of my
: life."
When Annisha was 6, Reeder-Bey
¯ thought the two of them had a book worth
¯ sharing. She went to several well-known
: children’s book publishers, who told her
¯ that the subject matter was inappropriate
¯ or didn’t fit their needs.
¯ Butthebookdidcatch the eye ofofficials
." at Agouron Pharmaceuticals, a La Jolla,
." Calif.-based company that makes the
." AIDS drug Viracept, and Agouron
¯ published it. Agouron has an active
: outreachprogramthatfocuses particularly
¯" on minority communities, and the book
¯ worked well with that program, said Joy
¯ Schmitt, a company spokeswoman.
: Reeder-Bey also made sure that Prince
¯ WilliamCounty school administrators got
: a copy of"Annisha’s Story." Annishais a
¯ third-grader at Featherstone Elementary.
¯ Agouron said it plans to distribute the
~ book at otherAIDS conferences, with the
¯ authors’ permission. In the meantime, ¯
Reeder-Bey is a one-woman distribution
¯ machine, bringing books to her doctor’s
¯ office, to work, to wherever she thinks
¯ someone would pick one up. "I want
: people to open up and start talking to kids
: about it. Kids want you to be open with
: them," Reeder-Bey said.
¯ And Annisha said she plans to keep
¯
writing. She has advice for other would-
~ be authors: "I think they should write
¯ what’s in their imagination, and write
: what’sin their heart."
Happy New Year and Century to " hit Broadway, running for 2 years. This
everyone! "If you’re with me, next year : ground breaking drama about 9 Gay men
willbe... The perfect year!" Sorry, Petula ¯ gathering for a birthday party with catty,
left a little Norma Desmond behind. (The ¯ emotionally trying results spawned a film
line is from a song that features ~ -by William Friedldn (who went on to
prominentlyinthemusical, direct "the Exorcist", and
"Sunset Boulevard".)
Actually, there were afew
days I couldn’ t tell the two
apart. What, me catty? I
don’t know what you
mean. . . (Eyes bat
iunocenfly. Well, as close
as I can get... Shaddup!
Stop snickering amongst
yoursdves!)
January at the PAC: Ben
E. King performs with the
Tulsa philharmonic the 7
&8. The armchair traveler
goes to France on the 10;
and the All State Music
Festival happens onthe 15.
"Gaelic Storm," the Irish
band that played in the 3rd
class steerage section of
the Titanic appears at the
PACJanuary 19 &20. Leo
danced a jig to their tunes
in the film. Latin music is played by
Scarles, Allen and River on the 22, and a
concurrent concert hapl~L’ns with Janina
Fialkowska at the piano. On the 23, Das
Puppenspeil (I love that name!) puppet
theatre performs with the Philharmonic,
and the month closes with "Buddy," the
Buddy Holly musical from the 25 through
the 30. "Crossing Delancy" opens on the
28. More info on these artists to come. If
~ou lust can’t wait, you can always call
e f~iendly folks at the PAC ticket office
at 596-7111.
Forthose abitmoreventuresome, Dallas
seems to be the place of interest in
upcoming months. GeorgeWinstonplays
Majestic Theatre Jan 7; and for those who
recall a rather large member of the Rocky
Horror Picture Show cast, Meat Loaf
performs at McFarlin Auditorium Jan 16.
My, they’re really bringing in the class
acts now, aren’t they?
For the more modem crown, Counting
Crows plays the Bronco bowl Jan 25, and
Beck plays there Jail 26. Kids in the Hall,
the all male cross dressing comedy troupe
of some fame in the mid-90’s plays the
Bronco bowl Feb 3. The Pretenders, with
opening act "Gay Dad", perform at the
Bronco Bowl Feb 6. The Chieftains, for
those who like their Irish music Irish, are
at the Fort Worth Bass Performance Hall
Feb 6. Back in Dallas, Diana Krall plays
the Majestic Theatre Feb 18. And for
those into boy bands, Backstreet Boys
(almost has-beenS) are at Reunion Arena
March3-4. For themorefolksy set, Crosby,
Stills, Nash and Young are playing
Reunion Arena March 7th.
For thosepining for somedecent theatre
- and I know many of you are, even if you
don’t attend it- Mort Crowley’ s seminal
work, "The Boys in the Band", runs
through January 29 at the Fort Worth
Theatre (817-921-5300). It rated a full
page storyin theFortWorthStarTelegram.
Apparently, Fort Worth has become a
progressive town, in that one of its oldest
and mostprestigious theatres has started a
series of Gay plays called the "Labor of
Love" series. They have sold out.
Hello, Theatre Tulsa!
"Boys" opened in April 1968, and was
one of’the first, if not the first, Gay play to
"Sorcerer") and nnhinged
the closet door that held
Gay theater locked inside
and blew it down the
hallway.
. FortWorthTheatrehas
already produced two
shows this season thathad
to do with some aspect of
homosexuality:
"Seducing Sally" and
"The SantalandDiaries".
Folks, this is a city
nicknamed "Cowtown".
Hello? It’ s about the size
of Tulsa. They have 3
theatres there that are
unafraid to try something
new -CircleTheatre, Stage
West, and now, the most
staid of the Fort Worth
Theatres.
We have Heller, and
: sometimes TU, and the quality of theatre
¯ in this town is very hit and miss. I know
: that’ll tick some folks off, but it’s true.
¯ And more often than not, it’s missing.
: Let’s work on that, shall we? I mean,
¯ Cowtown, really!
Tickets are $10 - $12 dollars, and a
¯ percentage of ticket sales goes to AIDS
~ Resources of Rural Texas. And from the
: pics of the cast, it looks like it would be a
¯ handsome evening, indeed. Thanks to
: Mark Lowry of the Fort Worth Star
Telegram for some of the info used in this
: tern.
Usually, when I write of an album
wherein the songs, music and lyrics, tend
to eerily reflect events in my own time
space, it’ s a safe bet that I’m writing about
Stevie Nicks. Shejust does thht sort thing.
I got walloped this last week by an album
my best friend Karin (who’ s straight, by
the way) mademelisten to. She started off
by saying some of the songs reminded her
of me and one of my last major romantic
entanglements. Then she started playing
it, and I was just about knocked out of the
car. The album is by an artist I never gave
much ~hought to, except to wish that I’ d
never hear the phrase "I Wanna Come
Over" again. Yes, I was ~,valloped by a
Lesbian MdissaEtheridge slat~stalbum,
"Breakdown" (an ironic rifle, given the
album’ s previously stated significance) is
a treasure trove of powerful lyrics and
dynamite music.
The song "Stronger Than Me" is one of
the ones my best friend Karin related to
: my experience from her viewpoint. The
~ lyrics are dark and intense, and the music
; echoes their intent. "I don’t know how
: you can take it / invest your heart and then
¯ youbreakit / I don’ tknow how youcan set
: it free / you must be stronger than me"
: certainly sums up my somewhat
¯ overoptimistic romantic enthusiasms
according to Karin.
"Breakdown" is a power ballad about a
~ love gone so wrong one has left, but the
¯ other p~rson keeps pulling you back like
~ a pit of quicksand. "I’m coming to your
~ breakdowntonight.""Enough ofMe" was
¯ another sock to the stomach in its eerie
: capturing of what the last year of my last
; majorrelationship was like. see Jirn,p. 14
The Tulsa Phiharmonicpresents
pianist
Janina Fialkowska
the third concert in the,
Masterworks Series
Saturday, January 22, 8pm
Tulsa Performing-Arts Center
Debussy, Prelude a l’apres midi d’une faune
Grieg, Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16
Wagner, selections from
Der Ring des Nibelungen
Tickets: 747-PHIL or 596-7111
earles, Allen & Rive.ra
URBANTULSA
THE KERR FOUNDATION, INC.
FOUNDERS AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
"cO IJ/IELLIAS cao~oea~v:VAL CANIPAROLIw~:FREOEIIIC CHOPIN
Long before multi-million dollar book deals -
were the fashion, Alexandre Dumas’ son
(yes, the "The Three Musketeers" author)
converted his torrid:turned-terminal love affair
into a best seller. From there, composer
Guiseppe Verdi adapted the story for opera
(hello, "La Traviata"). Today, choreographer
Val Canipamli finished the iob of turning
"La Traviata" into dance. Using drama,
not melodrama. For understatement
underscored. A full-length love story.
"You don’t have
to knew ballet
to love ballet.
You just have
to try it."
-- MARCE£LO ARGELJNI
ARTISTIC DIRECTOI~
" FRIDAY 8 PI~EBRUARY 11
SATURDAY B PMFEBRUARY 12
SUNDAY 3 PMFEBRUARY 13
SEASON SPONSORS:
ABC Music
Order tickets by calling The Tulsa BaJlet Ticket Offica: 749-600|
4512 S. Peoria Ava. , Tulsa, OK 74105-4563 ¯ VisH
GILCREASE MUSE
I~" SUNDAYS
Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 11 am, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
Community of Hope (Welcoming), Service - 6pm, 2545 S. Yale, 585-1800
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Service - 11am, 2545 S. Yale, 749-0595 (Welcoming)
Church of the Restoration Unitarian Universalist
Service - 1 lain, 1314 No. Greenwood, 587-1314
Metropolitan Community Church United
Service, llam, 1623 North Maplew00d, Info! 838-1715
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc.
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 10:45am, 3210b So. Norwood
Parish Church of St. Jerome (Evangelical Anglican Church in America)
Mass - 1lain, 205 W. King (east of N. Denver), Info: 582-3088
Unity. Church of Christianity
Services: 9:15 & 11:00 am, 3355 S. Jamestown,749-8833
University of Tulsa Bisexual/Lesbian/Gayfrransgendercd Alliance
6:30 pm, Meets at the United Ministry Ctr., 5th & Evanston, 583-9780
~’ MONDAYS
HIV Testing Clinic, Free & anonymous testing. No appointment required.
Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm, 834-TEST (8378)3501 E. Admiral (east of Harvard)
HIV Rap Sessions at Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
7:30pro, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
PFLAG, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
2rid Mon/each mo. 6:30pm, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 S. Harvard
Women/Children & AIDS Committee, call for meeting date, noon, 585-5551
Council Oak Men’s Chorale, rehearsals - call for times, info: 748-3888.
I~" TUESDAYSAIDS
Coalition of Tulsa, call for next meeting date. 1430 S. Boulder, 585-5551
Live And Let Live, Community of Hope United Methodist, 7:30pro, 2545 S. Yale
Multienltural AIDS Coalition, call for next meeting date.
Urban League, 240 East Apache, 584-0001
PrimeTimers, mens group, Pride Center. 1307 E. 38th
Coming Out Support Group (TOHR/HOPE)
Tuesdays, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, info: 743-4297
~ WEDNESDAYS
Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center
Prayer & Bible Study, 7:30 pm 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc. Service - 7pm, 3210b So. Norwood
Tulsa Native American Mens Support Group, more information, call 582-7225
TCC Gay & Lesbian Association of Students (GLAS), Call for info: 595-7632.
Lambda A-A, 7 pm, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft.
~" THURSDAYS
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education
Anonymous HIV Testing, Testing: 7 - 8:30pm 834-8378, 3507 E. Admiral
Oklahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network (O’RYAN)
Support/social group for 18-24’ s, call Red Rock Mental Health at 584-2325
Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV/AIDS, Info: 834-4194
~ FRIDAYS
SafeHaven, Young Adults Social Group, 1 st Fri/each mo. 8pm, Pride Ctr., 1307 E. 38th
I~" SATURDAYS
Narcotics Anonymous, 11 pm, Community of Hope,1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800
Lambda A-A, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft.
t~= OTHER GROUPS
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association, info: 298-0827
Gal-A-Vanting, Womens Social & Cultural Group
Call for info: Kathy at 322-6322, or Barb at 459-6825.
OK Spoke Club, Gay & Lesbian Bike Organization. Long rides & short rides from
Zeigler Park. Long & short tides from Tulsa Gay Community Center. Write for info:
POB 9165, Tulsa, OK 74157
Mixed Volleyball, non-active in winter, call Shawn at 243-5190 for spring activities.
Ifyour organization is not listed, please let us know. Call 583-1248 orfax 583-4615.
reviewed by Barry Hensley
Tulsa City-County Library
Here are a couple of new books at the
library that you shouldn’t miss! A few
years ago, author Rik Isensee wrote an
eulighteningbookforGay
men, rifled "Reclaiming
Your Life: The Gay
Man’s Guide to Love,
Self-Acceptance and
Trust." He’s back with a
new winner for those of
us in our, ahem, late
thirties (and on up), "Are
You Ready?"
The time has come for
the community to
understand that Gay life
doesn’t end simply
because you remember
Watergilte. This book
helps you learn to
celebraie i the positive
things about aging
(flexibility, " greater
"One d Isensee’s
primary tasks is to
help Gay males
reach closure with a
youtlt~l identity¯
The key to this is
learning to stop
living for the
moment¯ For a
¯ reclaim youthful ambitions. This tendency
: can be compared to the stage of
¯¯ ’bargaining’ in grief reactions. If only I’d just work harder, exercise more, go to
¯ bars, get a facelift, get a tattoo- I’ll be all ¯
right."
One of the suggested
steps toward stabilizing
your life is to get in a long
term relationship. Just
because it didn’t work
whenyouwereyoungand
foolish doesn’t mean it
won’t work now! There
is a good section that
provides some basic
guidance toward finding
a rdationship, including
"what are you looking
for?," "distinguish
_between desirables.and
necessary qualities," and
variety of reasons, "be open to men who
" don’tfityouinsual type." we are living longer. _There are alsosomegood
tolerances, self ann " 1- ....
¯....
" ~ d nav" ate neell to remmn
acceptance) an lgate~_____-~_~.
the negatives (dis-eti~ vital and involved.
over physical aging,
d i s i 11Usi onm e n t,--It Is very Important
examples of how
depressio,and lethargy).
One of Isensee’s to-not waste time
primary tasks is to help re]ivln6 -
Gay males reach closure
with a youthful identity, the past..
The key to this is learning
to stoplivingfor themoment. Fora variety
of re~ons~ we are living long~-and need
to remain vital and involved. It is very
important to not waste time reliving the
past.
As Isensee explains, "During this
uncertain time, when we’ ve lost our way,
there may be a sense of not having
accomplished anything. Itmay be difficult
to remember earlier goals or to ascribe
any significance to them. It’s also hard to
imagine what else we would like to do.
Rather than tolerating the anxiety of not
knowing, some men are tempted to make
up for lost time - through some radical
change for its own sake, or a mad dash to
with Former and does not believe the
accusation to be credible.
Attorney Kerry Lewis, who is also a
board member of Tulsa Oklahomans for
Human Rights suggested that anti-Gay
bias and political opportunism on the part
of Tulsa County District Attorney Tim
Harris and his staff may be behind this
accusation.
Lewis noted that such a case would
have appeal for Republican Harris whose
voter bast is tied to religious extremist
elements in the Republican Party. Lewis
also said that given the level of anti-Gay
prejudice in the area’s jury pool; Harris
maybecalculating thatheneednotactually
prove Former guilty, that is that merely
being a Gay man accused by a younger
man will be taken as proof of guilt in a
legal system. that is hostile to minority
citizens.
DrumwrightattorneyTimDaniel whose
practice~has’included defending Gaymen
relationships change over
the years. No, thesethi~gs
are not easy, but the hard
work will pay off in. the
end!
Another new book is,
’q’he Book of Gay and
Lesbian Quotations."
This is a fun compilation
of quotes by Gays and
¯ Lesbians; and Gay-friendly peopleas well,
¯ from ancient times to the present. It is a
." simple reference book broken down into
¯ broad subjects: solitude, morality, hope,
¯ etc.
: Some of the better quotes are: "a waist
¯ is terrible thing to mind," "anyone who
¯ says that softball is a boring game to
. watch isn’t looking at the right things!,"
: and "the only way of getting dd of
temptation is to yield to it." This is a super
: book for one liners.
: Check for these and other fun books at
¯ your local branch library, or call the ¯
Readers ServicesdepartmentattheCentral
: Library at 596-7966.
: who say they were entrapped by Tulsa
¯ Police, believes that the Tulsa County
¯ DistrictAttorney uses anti-Gay bias in the legal system to plea bargain cases,
: knowing that accused Gay men, even if
¯ they are not guilty, or even if the police ¯
engaged in illegal conduct themselves in
¯ order to make an arrest, will accept a
~ "deal" rather than risk having a hostile
¯ jury and even more serious charges and
¯ punishment.
: Anti-Gay hate crime victims, Tony Orr
¯ &TimBeauchamp, also have pointed out ¯
that Hams’ office failed to assist them in
: getting normal compensation for their
: medical expenses due to the assault on
¯ them, and that the DA’s office did not
¯ even prosecute seriously their assailants ¯ until after The Tulsa World wrote a story
: about the DA’s inaction.
¯ Fortner did return a call to TulsaFami!y
: Newsbutonadviceofhis attorney declined
; to comment onthe allegations. Calls to
: Former’s attorney were not returned.
January April July October December
Even Out Your
Monthly Electric Bills.
At PSO, we know that changing
weather conditions throughout the
year can cause your monthly electric
bills to rise and fall dramafieally.
Which can make it hard to tflan your
¯household budget. That’s why~
~ourAverage Monthly Payment plan,
could be your_budgeting solution.
Wata~you imy about the
same each month, because it’s based
on your gnevious 12 months.usage.
That makes budgeting a breeze.
And best of all ifs free. AMPis just
one of several ttem~ole payment
o~ons PSO offers you. For more
a day. Or sign up forAMPon our
P- 9 PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
A Central and South West Company
Holland Hall
SCHOOL
PRIMARY SCHOOL TOURS (AGE 3- GRADE 3)
MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL TOURS (GRADES 4- I I)
MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL TESTING (GRADES 4- II)
PRIMARY SCHOOL TESTING (KINDERGARTEN- GRADE I)
To reserve your place, please Call the
Admission Office at 481=111.1; extension 251.
5666 E. 81st Street ~ Between Yale & Sheridan ~ Tulsa ~ www.hollandhall.org
Holland Hall admits qualified students without regard to race, sex. religion, national or ethnic omgm, or p~.sical disabili~..
800-559-1558 ~.NewNest.com
The new Patti Johnsqq Wilson YWCA wi, be opening February 2000
Fitness Center
Aerobics
Aquatic Programs
Licensed Child Care
Our Proffress
Le s!
by Mary Schepers . - I will respect electrical energy and will
TFNdo-it-yourself-dyke extraordinaire ¯ notwireanyfixture, outletorswitch’hot."
The holidays are over, the mistletoe " - I resolve to keep saw blades sharp and
delightfullynsed, abusedandrefused.The ¯ clean. I will unplug power saws before
long nights and short days of winter seem ¯ removing the blade.
to stretch on forever. It is - I resolve to use trendy
the time to dreamoffuture
projects that will not be
started until spring time
comes. And it is time for
making all of those godawful
New Year’s resolutions
that endurebutfor
a mere matter of days.
Why not combine home
projects with good
intentions andmake some
resolutions you’ll actually
keep?
Inall modesty, and with
absolutely no sense of
overstepping boundaries,
your DIYD gently offers
her own suggestions for
your approval and
implementatzon.
Considerityourblueprint
for a millennium of
satisfying home projects.
Or consider it your DIYD
telling you what to do -
again. And always. Why
should this century be any
different than the. last?
You love it, ducklings,
you know you do! Now,
repeat after me
- I resolve to always work
safely! I will read and follow direction~
and will not by-pass guards or safety
devices. I will use personal protection
(safety glasses, earplugs, etc.), and ask for
help if I need it.
-I will measure twice (minimum!) and
cut once. Woodis expensive and screwing
up makesmecranky and unbearable. Let’ s
avoid that this year.
-I will not swear to the extent and/or
noise level that the dog or cat needs deep
therapy.
-I will always involve my partner (if
applicable) inhome repair and decoration
decisions. Even if they say they "don’t
care" - trust me, cupcake, theydo!
- I resolve to take good care of my tools.
I will keep them clean, organized and in
good repair. I will thereby not waste
precious project time obsessing about the
mystery location of the screwdriver or
paint roller.
- I resolve not to treat any ofmy partner’ s
questions as stupid - no matter how
glaringly obvious the answer or solution.
- Iwill not loan out tools I care about to
people who abuse them or do not return
them, I will acknowledge my emotional/
psychological bond with my tools,
especially thoserequiring apower supply,
- I will buy that leather tool bdtas soon as
I can. And I will use it (silk boxers
optional).
- I resolve to always set my ladder up on
a stable, even surface and to havesomeone
watching out for me nearby. That
especially applies if I am on the roof. The
dog does not count as my ’safety buddy.’
-I resolve to overcome my fear and
loathing of spiders and slugs long enough
to enter the crawl space and make that
minorplumbingrepair to thebathtub drain.
Other-wise, I will overcome my aversion
to paying a plumber to do the same.
"In all modesty, and
with absolutely no
sense of overstepping
boundaries, your
DIYD gently offers
her suggestions for
your approval . . .
Consider it your
blueprint for a
millennium of
satisfying home
projects.
Or consider it your
DIYD telling you
what to do - again.
And always.
Why should this
century be any
different
than the last?"
colors and designs in my
home sparingly, remembering
fullyhow appalled
I was by the ’50’s Peptopink
bathroom walls, tile
and tub. I am leaving a
legacy! (this does not
apply if you wish vengeance
on your heirs)
- I will always get three
quotes for any contract
labor, as well as
references.
- I resolve to be more
respectful for the people
wor.king atmylocal home
repatr palace, even thal
patronizing boob in
plumbing. Fantasize
about replumbing his
fixtures, butdon’tactually
threaten to do it this time.
-I resolve to buy very
good paint brushes and
keep them clean and
properly stored for a
lifetime of painting
pleasure.
-I will not tell friends,
family or relative
strangers how they
screwed up their latest
project and what I wouldhavedonebetter.
Do give them a stack ofDIYD columns as
a form of gentle guidance.
- I resolve to do one project this year, no
matter how small, to improve the
aesthetics, efficiency or value ofmyhome.
- I resolve tomakemy DIYD that cocktail
- a Manhattan with two cherries - as a
small token of the gratitude I bear her for
enlightening my life and improving my
home!
And your DIYD resolves to be back
next month to help you make good on
some of these intentions.
PS: Your DIYD doesn’ t waste precious
energy tying cherry stems into knots with
her tongue when it is better applied to
practical projects!
¯
By the time ~this song played, I was
¯ becoming a fan. So much so, I bought the
CD
If ’ ,
: you ve been depressed, and couldn t
¯ explain how debilitating a state it really
¯ can be, "Into The Dark" is one of those
¯¯ songs you play for people to make them
understand what the dark night of the soul
¯ is all about. One ofthemore powerful and
dark songs on thi~ album, it leaves you
." haunted. It’ s a ditty about going "into the
¯ soullinto the heart/into the dark", and
: realizing that one’s been spinning one’s
wheels keeping a dead relationship alive,
¯ not that Iwouldknowanythingabout that.
"There was tire/therewas death/there was
¯ lyingonyourbreath/Itumedaway/Iwould
¯ pretend/but the fire never ends/I’ve been
¯
here sleeping all these years. "
_" Lest you think it’s all doom a~ad gloom,
: JulieCypher, Melissa’s longtimepartner,
¯ requested a more upbeat song for fear her
to recognize same-sex civil marriage. It
was thefirst state to offer domesticpartner
benefits to state workers, one of the first
states to recognize second-parent
adoptions and one ofthe first states to ban.
discriminationbasedonsexual orientation.
-The Mormon church, which has
campaigned.-against Gay marriage in
Vermont, Hawaii and California, issued a
brief statement repeating its position and
¯ saying,"As the legislative process moves
forward, The ChUrch of Jesus Cqh-’ist of
Latter-day Saints urges the citizens of
Vermont and their elected representatives
to protect the uniqueness and sanctity of
traditional marriage and to preserve the
family ~ the basic unit of society."
Next Door In New Hampshire
A statelawmakeris trying to make sure
Gay New Hampshire couples do riot take
advantage of the Vermont ruling. Rep.
Gary Torressen, R-Center Harbor, says
he was disappointed by the decision that
Gay couples are entitled to the same
benefits and protections as husbands and
wives. Torressen said he filed., his bill,
which would prevent New Hampshire
from recognizing same-sex marriages
contracted out of state, in anticipation of
the Vermont court’s decision.
The Legislature repealed a ban on Gay
foster parents and Gay adoptions. The
state also has a law that protects Gays and
Lesbiansfrom discrimination in housing,
employmentand access topublicfacilities.
State Sen. Rick Trombly, a Boscawen
Democrat who is Gay, said New
Hampshire shouldgo further and set upits
own domestic partnership system. Rep.
Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth, has
filed a bill that would extend medical
benefits to domestic partners, andrecently,
trustees for the state university system
approved domestic partner benefits for
employees. But Gays and Lesbians still
lackfull acess to the samehealthinsurance,
disability benefits, tax breaks and
inheritance protections that married
couples enjoy.
Trombly believes New Hampshire
lawmakers would support a domestic
partnership system as a fundamental
affirmation of equal rights. But he does
not believe they would support Gay
marriage, because many believe
heterosexual marriage has a religious
significance.
State Sen. Pat Krueger, a conservative
Republican from Manchester, said
Tuesday she had Gay friends whose lives
were complicated by their lack of legal
protections, and she would consider
supporting domestic partnerships. A
spokeswoman for Gov. Jeanne Shaheen
said the governorremains opposed to Gay
marriage. Spokeswoman Pamela Walsh
declined:comment on Shaheen’ s .view of
domesticpartnership.legislation, sayingit
was premature.
Excerpts from the Supreme
Court decision on marriages:
Maythe stateofVermontexclude samesex
couples from the benefits and
protections that its laws provide to
opposite-sex married couples? That is the
fundamental question we address in this
appeal, aquestionthatthecourtwellknows
arouses deeply-felt religious, moral, and
political beliefs. Our constitutional
responsibility to consider the legal merits
of issues properly before us provides no
exception for the controversial case. The
issue before the court, moreover, does not
turnon the religious-or moral debate over
¯
inlimate same-sex relationships, butrather
¯ on the statutory and constitutionai basis
for the exclusion of same-sex couples
: from the secular benefits and protections
: offered married couples.
¯ We conclude that under the Common
Benefits Clause of the Vermont
Constitution, which, in pertinent part,
e,ads, that government ~s, or ought to be,
instituted for the common benefit,
¯¯ protection, and security of the people,.
¯ nation, or community, and not for the
particular emolument or advantage ofany
i single person, family, or set of persons,
¯ who are a part only of that community,"
plaintiffs may not be deprived of the
: statutory benefits andprotections afforded
¯ persons of the opposite sex who choose to
~ marry. We hold that the state is
¯ constitutionally required to extend to ¯ same-sex couples the common benefits
: and protections that flow from marriage
under Vermont law.
". (and)
¯ While the laws relating to marriage
¯ have undergone many changes during the
¯ last century, largely toward the goal of ¯
equalizing the status of husbands and
¯ wives, the benefits of marriage have not
¯ diminished in value. On the contrary, the
¯ =benefits and protections incident to a
: marriagelicense under Vermontlaw have
: never been greater.
¯ (andfrom Justice Denise Johnson)
¯ This case is undoubtedly one of the
¯ most controversial ever to come before
¯ this court. Newspaper, radio andtelevision
¯ media have disclosed widespread public
¯ interest in its outcome, as well as the full
¯ spectrum of opinion as to what that
¯ outcome should be and what its
¯ ramifications may be for our society as a ¯
whole.
¯
.One line of opinion contends that this is
¯ an issue that ought to be decided only by
¯ the most broadly democratic of our
¯ governmental institutions, theLegislature; ¯ and thatthe small group ofmenandwomen
: comprising this court has no business
deciding an issue of such enormous
¯ moment.
: For better or worse, however, this is
¯ simply not So. This case came before us
¯ because citizens of the state invoked their
¯
¯ constitutional right to seekredress through the judicial process of a perceived
¯ deprivation under state law. The Vermont
¯ Constitution does not permit the courts to decline to adjudicate a matter because its
¯ subject is controverslal, or because the
¯ outcome may be deeply offense to the
Strongly held beliefs of many of our
¯ citizens.
¯ We do not have, as does the Supreme
¯ Court of the United States, certiorari
-’ jurisdiction, which allows thatcourt, inits
¯ sole discretion, to decline to hear almost
¯ any case. To the contrary, if a case has
¯ been brought before us, and if the
¯ established procedures have been
¯ followed, as they were here, we must hear
¯ and decide it.
: Moreover, we must decide the case on
¯ legal grounds. However much history,
: sociology, religious belief, personal
¯ experienceor other considerations may ¯
inform our individual or collective
: deliberations, we must decide this case,
¯ and all cases, on the basis of our
¯ understanding of the law, and the law
¯ alone.
¯" Thismustbethe trueandconstant effort
¯ of every member of the judiciary. That
¯ effort, needless to say, is not a guarantee
¯
of infallibility, nor even an assurance of
¯ wisdom. It is, however, the fulfillment of
.. our pledge of office.
Red Rock Tulsa
Free Confidential
HIV Testing
Walk-in Clinics
Tuesday Testing, 5 -8 pm
Pride Center, 1307 East 38th
Wednesday Testing, 5-8 pm
Red Rock, 1724 East 8th
Daytime.appointments available.
Call for more information:
918-584-2325
Church
of the RestoratiOn
Unitarian Universalist
11 am, Sunday
1314 North Greenwood
587-1314
We knowyou’re
going to love this[
Restaurant & Cabaret
310,East First Street
Massage Therapy Services
¯
/
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.|
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
Want to get involved?
Need to get
tested for HIV?
Need a
Coming Out Support
Group?
Call
743-GAYS (4297)
Tulsa Gay
Community
Services
Center
1307 E. 38th
at Peoria, 2nd floor
Country Club
Barbering
Custom Styling
for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236
Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pro
IGTA member
Call 341, 6866
International
Toursformoreinformation.
A UTHENTIC FRESH
1TALIAN RAINBOW
CUSINE TROUT
OfEureka Springs
,Voted Number One in Arkansas!
(SOD 253-6807 Closed Wednesday
Center Street, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Red Rock Tulsa
O’RYAN
Oklahoma Rainbow
¯ Young Adult Network .
Outreach Program Thurs. Nights
Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment
Call for meeting times and place:
918-584-2325.
TOM NEAL
BUILDING
&
GARDEN
DESIGN
58:3- 1248
by Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D. ¯ into gender patterns as soon as they are
One of my students owns 189 pairs of ~ born, wrapping them in blue or pink
athletic shoes. Not quite Imelda Marcos, ~ blankets. Walk into any toy store and you
butgettingthere.Anthonyisjust20years ¯ knowwhenyou’veenteredthegirls’aisle.
old and already he is a sophisticated ¯ Everything suddenly has turned pink.
collector. Collecting things is oddly ¯ Several of my friends with young sons
importantformany ofus.
I have other friends who
accumulate Native
American artifacts. And
books. And jazz vinyl
recordings. And Cacti.
And uniforms.
Most of us collect
some-thing evenif this is
only string or a draw full
Of condoms. Our houses
are museums. One ofmy
professors saved sheets
of toilet paper from bathrooms
around the world.
Me, I have.a stupendous
collection of refrigerator
magnets.
We buy stuff; we give
it away; we receive it;
andwe curateit: Think of
all those shoeboxes lined
UP in Anthony’s bedroom.
Things, clearly,are
important for reasons
beyond the utilitarian.
Evenwearing themevery
second until the day he
dies, Anthony will never
use up all his Shoes. He
buys themto ownandnot
particularly to wear. They
helpmake sense ofwhom
he is - or at least who he
thinks he wants to be.
Because ofthiS, ormaybe
it’s their smell(they give
him a buzz.
Having just survived
the holiday season, we
know the pleasures and
pains of stuff. Did you
get what you want for the
holidays? Did you make
a list? Did you check it
twice?
Everyone grumbles
about the materialism of
a onetime religious
celebration. But complain
away, I sure had a
lot of desperate company
last month when I went
foraging for things in the
bleak shopping expanses
of Walmart.
"We slot our
ehildren into gender
patterns as soon as
they are born,
wrapping
them in blue or
pink blankets.
Walk into any toy
store and you know
when you’ve entered
the girls’ aisle...
Several of my
friends w~th young
sons complain that
it is difficult to find
gender-neutral toys.
’One two-year old
boy loves to play
with brooms and
vacuunl cleaners.
His morn, of course,
has to go to the
girlS’ side to find
toy household
eleanlng equipment.
And, worse, the kid
likes to play with
dolls. His father
nervously protests
his son’s
babydoll games.
" Je~z! Can’t you buy
the boy atru~k?"
This connection Of stuff and identity is
characteristically American. We learn
early on to~ define ourselves in terms of
things, We_+play a:game with children
called "favorites." Weinsist that kids tell
us their favorite"color~ music, television
show, make of car,.or ice-cream. Evenif
complain that it is difficult
to find gender-neutral
toys: One two-ye~ old
boy loves to play with.
brooms and vacuum
cleaners. His ~m0m+ of
course, has to go to the
girls’ side to find toy
household cleaning
equipment. And, worse,
the kid likes to play with
dolls. His father nervously
protests his son’s.
babydoll games. Jeez!
Can’t you buy the boy a
truck?
This paternal nervousness
signals the symbolic
strength of the connections
we draw between
things and identity, ff doll
equals girl, thenboy-whoplays
-with-doll equals
girlish, perhaps even Gay.
Our use of particular
things sends messages,
accurate or not, aboutwho.
we might be. We know
that both men and women
need to.practice nurturing.
Butthe doll-loving boy,
like the toy gun-toting girl,
violates the cultural code
of consumption that attributes
gender to things.
And, who knows? Maybe
the Kid really just likes
dolls. Or maybe he has
already figured out our
consumption code and he
likes dolls on purpose in
order to Send dad a
message.
My daughters, too’old
for dolls, and also,too old
for Pokemon, this year
wrote Gameboy camera
on their Christmas lists.
They didn’ t seem worried
about the name. Why
Gameboy and not
Gamegirl? In hierarchical
systems, it is easier to
"ups,h,ift" than "dowm
Shifi. Gifts wear pants.
Not .too many boys wear
¯ dresses. Women become d0ctors; not too
¯ many mendreamaboutbecominganurse.
" Except, perhaps+ some of those sweet,
¯ doff-loving boys of course
~When I was a kid, Barbie dolls didn’t
:~ last long in my neighborhood. We’ d steal
¯ themfromour sisters .and use thbm cruelly.
we aetuallyhave,nofavorites-~ this question ¯ They,w~ould.’be J..gan of Arc atthe stake,
puslies~s tomeasureandsztuateoursel~es: . andWor~.~ If ~eh~d any ~ense, w~ W~~d
svi_thin the w0dd of goods.. So goes .,".ha’ve,ca~-~f~illyst6i?&l them away intheig
American.inff!~iduality:;~and.so..goe~rour..: ." boxes to’become’rich by selling them to
_economy:as well....... ~ , - ....... " ........ ., today’s fanatic Barbie ¢_ollectors: I can
Favorites make less senseintta.ditional~ ~ recommend a great website with-pictures
societies where individuality is ,muted~ ." of.Ken, from 1961 to 2000: Check out
and where the range of goods is.litfiited. ¯ www.manbehindthedoll.com. This guy
But even in ¯simpler societies,¯ things: ." ~ really likes,his boy dol|s.J’m suggesting
differentiate gender.. Women wear : to Anthony thathe build a similar Shrine
differentarticles of clothing than do men~ : to his boy shoes :’ . z
They oftent~s~different tO~Is~ The)~ may .~ Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.’D,~ ~teaChes
noteatihesamefoods~.W,eslotourchi.’l.dren. "- anthropology, at .t:he.~University of Tulsa,
We dedicate an enormous mount of
resources to outreach, networking,
building allies and forging ties with
advocacy, educational and religious
organizations. Even when distribution
goes well, though, it hardly covers our
costs. To do this kind of media work, we
rely on outside support from our friends
who share our goals and understand the
unique role films like IT’ S
ELEMENTARY and THAT’S A
FAMILY!canplayinprevenfingprejudice
and violence.
Pleasehelp us keep thehugemomentum
IT’S ELEMENTARY generated going
strong. Help us welcome the millennium
by getting THAT’S A FAMILY! out of
our editing room and into elementary
school classrooms all across the country.
Please send your tax-deductible
donations toWomen’ s Educational Media,
2180 Bryant Street, Suite 203, San
Francisco,CA94110. Orgo to this interuet
address to makea secure on-line donation
with your visa or mastercard:
http://www.womedia.org/support.html
Donations of any size will be of great
help. With warm regards and deep
appreciation for your generous support,
- Debra Chasnoffand Helen S. Cohen
Producers
P.S. We are honored to let you know
that IT’S ELEMENTARY just won the
1999 Multicultural Education Media
Award,givenby th6National Association
for Multicultural Education (N.A.M.E.).
Weknow this award -- the first N.A.M.E.
has ever given to anything Gay-related
will help us build even better alliances
with educators who are committed to
addressing diversity !ssues. Please help
ustoday to get THAT S A FAMILY! out
where it can be put to good use.
Women’s Educational Media
2180 Bryant Sreet Suite 203
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 641-4616, (415) 641-4632 fax
Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon
said thatRudyde Leon, the under secretary
of defense for personnel, and Douglas
Dw0rkin, the acting general counsel,raised
the matter in a Dec. 18 memorandum to
service leaders. "It is important that the
leadership of each of the services issue a
strong statement to the field that
harassment~of service members for any
reason, to include alleged or perceived
homosexuality, will not be tolerated,"
according to thememo,releasedThursday
by the Defense Department.
Bacon said it had not been made
sufficiently clear to commanders that a
service member’ s complaint about being
harassed for alleged homosexuality is not
grotmds forinvestigating the complainant.
Instead it should be the basis for
investigating the harassers, he said.
image would be one see Jim, p. 14
of a liorrible drago,n,, given the tone of the
oth~"rdationship songs. Melissa asked
her~f,"How much do I love Juiie? I love
her~uchthat I would want to die in her
ar~ Quite a wonderful thing to say
aboi~.’ anyone’s lover, male or female.
"S!O~p" was the answer to the question, a
lovely song about getting away from the
noise ofthe world and snuggling into your
¯¯ lover’s arms and listening to him/her
breathing, and feeling trusting and
¯
comfortable enough with another person
: to be able to sleep. It’s a lovely song of
¯ quiet comfort.
¯
And then there’s issues of equality.
: "Truth of the Heart"is a wonderful ballad
¯ to the truth that "We all begin this race at
: the start" and about how "deep down
: inside we’re all the same / try not tojudge
¯ someone / and never shame." Partnered
¯
for almost 11 years now, the two have two
¯ children of their own. Melissa wrote this
¯ song to explain to their children about ¯
how to deal with life. Words to live by. In
: "MamaI’m Strange", thejoys of growing
¯ up Gay - or just different - is artfully
: explored, with just the fight amountof
¯ angst to remind us where we came from
¯
and how hard the struggle could be at
¯ times~
¯ The single most striking song is called
: "S~carecrow", and it’s about Matthew
¯ Sheppard. She said she hadlots of trouble
," w~riting that because here she was also
¯ writing ’’Truth of the Heart" as well and
¯
felt she couldn’t be writing about people
: being good in one song and denounce
¯ them in another. So the end of the song is
". her way of forgiving (but not forgetting)
¯
the second attacker (I think he was going
¯ to trial or prison at that time). It has to be
: heard to be experienced. If you aren’t
¯ crying and angry after hearing it, you’re
¯
dead.
¯ There are two versions of this CD, one
¯ of which is already hard to find. It has ¯
three extra songs, "Touch and Go",
: "Cherry Avenue" (where she mentions
the name of one-of the Lesbian bars in
¯ which she sang for about 4 years before
being discovered -Que Sera), and "My
¯ Beloved", and is released in a cardboard
¯" case. The regular version has 11 songs in
theusual plasticjewel box; Whichincludes
: the lovely ode tounrequitedlove, ’"’Angels
¯ Will Fall". That’ s the one most folks are
¯ going to be familiar with at this point. ¯
For you men out there: I know that in
¯ some-minds, there’s a big chasm between
¯ Gay men and Lesbians, and this extends
¯ to performer preferences. I’ve heard the
¯ nasty comments - from both sides. All I
¯ can say is, get over your prejudices, and
¯ get this CD. It’s well worth it, and
¯ incredible in its beauty and reflection of
¯
life. And, Melissa, you have a new fan.
Thank you Karin, for your contributions
¯ to widening my musical horizons and the
infolmation contained in the above article
¯
about the backgrbund of the songs. Seems
¯ ironic that I’ mbeing tutoredinGay culture
¯ and musical icons by a straight woman, ¯
but suchis life. I feel like I shouldknow all
¯
this alrcady!
." There’s a few things Karin said that I
¯ think bear repeating, for both Melissa
¯
fans, and more importandy, for us all: "I
¯
am so happy that I could bring a singer
¯ into your life who writes and sings from ¯
¯ the heart. VH1 is rertmmng her "Behind
the Music" next week, and I’m going to
tape it for you You’ll like it. It’ s the only
¯ oneI veseenwheretheartmtlsn thit~hing ¯
about something. Someofthemjustwhine
¯
endlessly. ’I love Shania Twain, but her
¯ BTM special was one endless bitch and
¯ whine.
¯ Stevie Nicks doesn’t bitch, but she’s
: had such lousy things happen, to her, by
: her own hand, that it just sounds so
¯ depressing. You know Melissa has been
¯ depressed, butthere’s somuchshedoesn’t
¯
say. I saw John Mellencamp’s BTM
¯ (Behind the Music), I’ve sc~en Cherts
¯ dozens of times, along with Madonna’ s,
and Melissa’ s just seems so upbeat that
Timothy Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fightfor
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
SprinL Sprint PCS"
The C ear Alternative to Cellular
Sprint PCS" Select Retailer
$99.95 New Sprint PCS Phone
-25.00 Less instore rebate
$74.95 Net cost
Buy any Sprint PCS Phone and
get $25 off!’ Everyone is approved!
All Sprint PCS service plans include.~
¯ Free Voicemail, Free Caller ID
¯ Free Call Waiting ¯ Free 3 way calling
, No activation fee ¯ No contract required
¯ 100% Sprint PCS Nationwide Neb,vork.
Tulsa Locations:
2001 S. Garnett, 437-2dd~.
3733S. Memorial, 66003zl4
1216 S. Harvard, 587-1778
Sapulpa Location:
,109 N. Mission, 227-2322
Meet Local
.Guys for
Hot Ti
@Origin. 18+. Additional features from
personal ads
see Jim, p. 15
she seems to have had a great life. Like I
said before, growing up Gay anywhere, I
know from you, is awful, but growing up
Gay in Leavenworth, Kaus~ must be the
pits. She doesn’t make much of anything
depressing. I was veryimpressed. Thanks
for the remark to the Gay men to listen to
Lesbians. I think they shodd each take
heed of that.
And remember, she’s the only one I
know of getting the word out to the
.mainstream crowd. P,e~,,ple like her so
much that they tend to. forget" (or tryto
...forget) that she’s Gay. She doesn’t let
them. ("Someone’s spitting blood/face
downinthe dirt/someone’ s thinking about
~ a gun/to try and stop the hurt/someone
drew conclusious/on the wail of destiny/
someone’s getting louder/and that
someone would be me.") That should be
importanttous ail."- Miss KarinGregory.
And I agree.
Janis Ianis performing Saturday March
4 in Dallas, TX at a club called Uncle
Caivin’s with Buddy Mondlock. And
ladies, as aiways, if you have something
to contribute or would like to see in this
column, please let me know care ofTFN,
or email me at tfnentritr@aol.com.
I wouldn’ twantto disappointthe diehard
readers of this column, so now it’s time
for... The Stevie Nicks mention. She has
a featured track on the new Sheryl Crow
and FriendsCDand video. The song is the
venerable Gold Dust Woman, and she’s
never sounded better! The CD’ s out now,
video to follow. Sarah. McLachlan,
Chrissie Hynde, the Dixie Chicks and
others aiso sing with Sheryl. And Stevie
still has a few shows left to do in Las
Vegas at the house of Blues this month.
Hernew album, first duein October oflast
year, now set for sometime this year,
maybe, is being produced by one of the
better known producers of hip hop and
rap. I’d mention the name, but I caff t
rememberit. Shery! Crow was producing,
which wouldhavemadefor an interesting
aibum - she did the excellent jobs of
producing the Stevie songs forthe Practical
Magic soundtrack. Stevie and rap... That
will be interesting as well, aithough I fear
for different ~easous. We shall see.., or
hear.
The ever handsome pianist Jim
Brickman performed at the PAC on
December 10, 1999, along with the very
talented John Trones and the beautiful
Anne Cochran. The show was lovely, an
eveningofromance and seasonal favorites,
and as Mr. Brickman described the
evening, much like a gathering of friends
round the piano. Okay, if the friends had
areally large living room, and reaily good
- moodlighting. Andamplifiers. Thegroup
.i did a swell job ofmaking a cavern into an
intimate cabaret. Mx. Brickman has a
charming sense ofhumor and intelligence
.to complementhis goodlooks. (Evenbetter
m person and up close. I love my job...)
He seemed very relaxed, and it was like
meeting an old friend for the first dine.
His playing can certainly set amood, from
exuberant to melancholy and romantic all
at the same time; and has a warmth to it
thatis reminiscentof spending the evening
with a loved one by a fire.
Or, if you’ re .single, as I am, curledup in
a comforter with a good book and cup, of
cocoa. Now that weknow how I spendmy
evenings... What? Have I said too much?
Mr. Brickman is a prolific songwriter as
well, setting words to music that is lovely
: to hear and unabashedly sentimental in
feeling.
: Anne Cochran, who met Mr. Brickman
¯ inhigh school, where they formed aband,
: has one of the most incredible voices I’ve
: heard. And her phrasing with a song is
: immaculate. Shecaptured thewarmthand
joy of the compositions she performed
withexpertease, andhas alovely, energetic
yet relaxed stage presence that also added
to the ambiance of the evening. She has a
new CD out called "Lucky Girl’_’, which I
would highly recommend for a gift based
on whatI heard that evening. Iwould have
one in my hot little hands right now had
they not been sold out. She isa name you
might be familiar with, she has had a top
¯ 5 hit with Jim Bfickman on the song
: -"After All These Years" which has been
: reed by skater Rosalyun:Summers, both
: live and recorded. It was also the song
¯ used on the final episode of "Home
: Improvement", andshe will be featured in
:- the Lifetime television speciai"A Golden
Moment". Definitely worth checking out.
You can order her CD at
www.AnneCochran.com.
John Trones (pronounced ~tro-ness’),
who is as nice and gorgeous as he is
.talented (what a voice! whata smile! what
a chest! what a pleasant man!), was a
delight to listen to as well.
With a million dollar smile that shines
like a searchlight, and a voice that has
incrediblerange and expressiOn,hejoined
Anne on several numbers and had some
lovely solos. His singing soared through
the Chapman theatre and could melt the
most hardened heart. He has an aibum of
standards and ballads out called
"Forward", which I was able to snag and
most definitely would make a great
Valentine’s girlie for the special man on
your list. He can melt the ice off the fiorth
Pole with that voice, and his phrasing and
reading of the standards is right on target.
A pity he’s in Minneapolis, I would love
to see more of him. He does Cabaret there
at Blanche’s, and has performed in a
number of Gay plays, listed on his web
site, www.JohnTrones.com, which is
worth a look. You can also order his CD
there.
After listening to several review CDs of
dubious quality sent to TFN, put out by
Gay artists of dubious talent, attempting
to sing standards and not succeeding very
well at anything other than murdering the
music, I am glad to say that his would be
the one I would, and did, purchase.
They were joined by Tracy Silverman
on electric violin, and he did quite an
interesting variationonthe Beade’ s"Here
Comes The Sun". His playing added an
interesting embellishment to Mr.
Brickman’s piano. I will say he had the
most lovely and LONG hair I’ ve seen on
aman in along time. He has an album out
on Windham Hill records. If you get the
chance to catch any or all of these artists
should they make a return appearance,
DO SO! You won’t regret it. Just make
sure you have a date, and one that won’t
stand you up.
I was looking forward to Peter Buffett’ s
"Spirit: A Journey in Dance, Drum, and
Song"aunique blend of Native American
and contemporary music, dance, and
storytelling, to have been held January 3
and 4th, 2000 at the Brady Theatre.
According to the latest info, ail spring
dates have been put onhold. According to
my sources, a late spring tour is in the
plans.
James Christjohn serves as TFN
Entertainment editor with emphasis on
the performing arts.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
newspaper
periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2000] Tulsa Family News, January 2000; Volume 7, Issue 1
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities.
Description
An account of the resource
Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9).
The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level.
This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Family News
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Tom Neal
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
January 2000
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Bob Rounsavell
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
Relation
A related resource
Tulsa Family News, December 1999; Volume 6, Issue 12
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
PDF
Online text
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
newspaper
periodical
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/596
2000
AIDS
AIDS drugs
AIDS research
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Bars
Blood Donation
bullying
businesses
children
churches
Department of Defense
Do-It-Yourself Dyke
Domestic Partner Benefits
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Dr. Jeffrey Beal
Evergreen Awards
Gay marriage
Gay Studies
HIV
homophobia
homphobia
It's Elementary
Jim Christjohn
John McCain
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
Leather
marriage equality
Mary Schepers
mental disabilities
military
military inclusion
Mr. Sooner State Leather
NAMES Project
Nationwide Insurance
Oklahoma Mr. Leather
performing arts
Raging Lesbian
Read All About It
Red Cross
restaurants
Ric Poston
Rick Fortner
Rik Isensee
sexual assault
sodomy laws
Steve Forbes
Ted Campbell
That's A Family
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Public Schools
Vemont
Vermont
visitation rights
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a59a5f6a2afb6c03dff5dc0cfe1c0209.pdf
a25e212532cba210178ed1d21a5a1e49
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust Flier
Subject
The topic of the resource
The Holocaust
Description
An account of the resource
Flier for The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust, a presentation given by historian Sir Martin Gilbert at Congregation B'nai Emunah synagogue.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
The Council for Holocaust Education
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
April 21, 2005
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Flier
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/files/show/2074
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
The Council for Holocaust Education
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Yom Ha'Shoah
The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust
Martin Gilbert
Congregation B'nai Emunah
Temple Israel
B'nai B'rith Youth Organization
Bridges for Peace
Camp Fire USA
Circle Cinema
Coalition of Hispanic Organizations
Northeast Oklahoma Holocaust Educators
Heritage Academy
Midrasha
National Conference for Community and Justice
National Council of Jewish Women
Native American Times
Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Phillips Theological Seminary
Say No to Hate
Trinity Episcopal Church
Tulsa City-County Library
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Indian Coalition Against Racism
Tulsa Interfaith Alliance
Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Public Schools
University of Oklahoma - Tulsa
University of Tulsa
Urban League
The Holocaust
Anti-Semitism
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Collection] Other Organizations and Events
Description
An account of the resource
Documents and items relating to other LGBT organizations and events.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2005] Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Subject
The topic of the resource
The Holocaust
Description
An account of the resource
Items and documents relating to the Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Other Organizations and events
Language
A language of the resource
English
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
The Holocaust
Yom Ha'Shoah
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Council for Holocaust Education
The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/631
and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Anti-Semitism
B'nai B'rith Youth Organization
Bridges for Peace
Camp Fire USA
Circle Cinema
Coalition of Hispanic Organizations
Congregation B'nai Emunah
Families
Heritage Academy
Martin Gilbert
Midrasha
National Conference for community and Justice
National Council of Jewish Women
Native American Times
Northeast Oklahoma Holocaust Educators
Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Parents
Phillips Theological Seminary
Say No to Hate
Temple Israel
The Council for Holocaust Education
The Holocaust
The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust
Trinity Episcopal Church
Tulsa City-County Library
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Indian Coalition Against Racism
Tulsa Interfaith Alliance
Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Public Schools
University of Oklahoma - Tulsa
University of Tulsa
Urban League
Yom Ha'Shoah
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration